UPDATE: Peggy Cooper Poindexter, a trailblazer in the defense sector and a dedicated advocate for education, has died at the age of 76. She passed away on October 21, 2025, following complications from surgery related to a recent cancer diagnosis. Her family, including her husband of 47 years, Jeffry Poindexter, and daughters, Allison Balin and Kathryn Lager, were by her side during her final moments.
This loss resonates deeply within the community and among those she inspired throughout her distinguished career. Born on February 8, 1949, in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, Peggy’s legacy as a pioneering woman in the Department of Defense and the intelligence community is significant. Her commitment to education and leadership in male-dominated fields has left an indelible mark.
Peggy’s journey began with her education, earning a degree in social science from Muhlenberg College in 1971, followed by a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Long Beach in 1978. She relocated to Los Angeles in 1973, where she joined the Air Force as part of efforts to integrate women into professional roles. Her career took off as she entered a rigorous financial management training program at the Space and Missile Systems Organization, advancing to senior roles within the Department of Defense and eventually the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.
Her retirement marked the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to public service, where she was recognized as an expert in Earned Value Management for software-intensive systems. Peggy was not just a formidable professional; she was a loving wife and mother who shared her passion for cooking and family with her loved ones. Her culinary skills were celebrated, and she created cherished memories through her meals.
In their retirement, Peggy and Jeff moved to Incline Village, Nevada, where she actively contributed to her community, serving as President of the AAUW, where she initiated scholarship programs and fostered community engagement through a cooking club. Her kindness, generosity, and commitment to family made her a beloved matriarch.
Peggy is survived by her husband, daughters, son-in-laws Aaron Lager and Nikita Balin, and her grandchildren, Forest and Nico Lager, along with Billie and Vinny Balin, who is due on December 9.
A celebration of Peggy’s remarkable life is set for Sunday, November 2nd, at 11 AM at Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village. This gathering will honor her legacy and the profound impact she had on her family and community.
As the world mourns the passing of a dedicated leader and loving family member, Peggy Cooper Poindexter’s contributions to society will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
