Peggy Dean Cuany

Peggy Dean Cuany, age 92, passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at Shannondale Health Care Center, Knoxville, TN. Peggy was born Peggy Ann DeHart in Alcoa, TN on April 5, 1932, to Emma Largent DeHart and Jasper August DeHart. She lived her entire life in Alcoa, Maryville, and Knoxville, TN. In high school at Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy (now known as The King’s Academy), Peggy was named “Most Talented” and “Most Likely to Succeed.” She continued her education at Knoxville Business College and the University of Tennessee. She became a Certified Professional Secretary and from 1970 – 1992 worked for the University of Tennessee for the Academic Vice President, then President Lamar Alexandar, and then General Counsel. She also served as Assistant Secretary to the Board of the Center for Space Transportation and Research and worked with several search committees. Peggy married Warren Beeler in 1951 and their 30-year marriage produced four children together. Peggy was married to Dr. John Dean, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee and analytical chemistry author from 1981 until his death in 2001. They traveled to 38 countries, including a month-long science expedition to China in the 1980s. Peggy was married to Dr. Robin Cuany from 2008 until his death in 2023. She became close with Robin’s children and considered them family. Peggy was active in several organizations. She served as Dean for the Knoxville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. She served as president of the East Tennessee Society of the Archaeological Institute of America. She was National Parliamentarian and Associate Editor of the National Newsletter for the Society for Applied Spectroscopy, and along with her then husband Dr. John Dean, received the organization’s National Outstanding Service Award in 1995. Peggy chaired the committee to revise the bylaws and write a handbook for the University of Tennessee Retirees Association. She served on various committees and taught classes at Second Presbyterian Church. Peggy served as Vice President of the Maryville Music Club and was Junior Music Club Advisor, Scout Leader, President of the Buckingham Council, and Chair of the Music Guild at Shannondale. Music was one of the greatest loves of Peggy’s life. She studied piano, saxophone, clarinet, tenor horn, violin, conducting, organ, and string bass and learned to play handbells and the Clavinova. For several years Peggy was Commencement Organist for the University of Tennessee and served as pianist for Law School Hooding, style shows, luncheons, and more. She taught band and chorus at Porter High School in Blount County. She served as organist, secretary, and children’s choir director at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Blount Country and at various other churches in the East Tennessee area. She played for many services and events during her 24-year residency in her beloved Buckingham and Shannondale community, formed and directed an in-demand men’s chorus there called the Bucking Hams, and led the drive to purchase and select the Shannondale grand piano and organ. Peggy’s children are all very musical and they fulfilled her dream of each playing piano, a stringed instrument, a band instrument, and singing in choirs. Besides a lifelong love of music and her beloved family, Peggy’s special interests included travel, reading, cooking, architecture, and computers. Survivors include Peggy’s children: Francesca Brava, Lisa Aycock (Bill), Jim Beeler (Annette), and John Beeler (Melody). She is also survived by stepchildren Gwen Hines (Stephen), Marianna Erickson (Kenton), Janet Hoisington (David), Louella Wrighton (Scot), Heather Schall (Jim), and Gordon Cuany (Carolyn), and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and a nephew. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the Peak Chapel at The Lodge at Shannondale Retirement Center in Knoxville, TN. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Kings Academy www.thekingsacademy.net/giving. On the website’s notes section please put in memory of Peggy Dehart Cuany. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Peggy Dean Cuany

April 5, 1932 - May 10, 2024