URGENT UPDATE: Peggy Cooper Poindexter, a trailblazer in the U.S. defense and intelligence sectors, passed away on October 21, 2025, at the age of 76. She died from complications related to surgery following a recent cancer diagnosis. Surrounded by her loving family, including her husband of 47 years, Jeffry Poindexter, and daughters Allison Balin and Kathryn Lager, Peggy’s passing marks the loss of an influential figure in her community.
Peggy was born on February 8, 1949, in Shamokin, PA, and grew up in a close-knit family in both Shamokin and Arlington, VA. A staunch advocate for education, she earned her undergraduate degree in social science from Muhlenberg College in 1971 and later obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Long Beach in 1978.
In 1973, she moved to Los Angeles to join the Air Force. Peggy entered a rigorous three-year financial management training program, focusing on the acquisition of major weapon systems at the Space and Missile Systems Organization. Over her illustrious career, she took on increasingly complex roles within the Department of Defense and the intelligence community, ultimately retiring as a Senior Executive at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.
Peggy’s remarkable achievements made her a pioneer not just for women in the Department of Defense but also for all those who strive for excellence in their careers. She was known for her expertise in Earned Value Management for software-intensive systems, and her contributions have had lasting impacts on the field.
On October 14, 1978, she married Jeff Poindexter at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA. Together, they built a life rich in friendship, culinary experiences, and travel. As an exceptional home cook, Peggy shared her love through sumptuous meals that brought family and friends together. She was not just a mother but a beacon of support for her daughters, deeply involved in their lives and inspiring them with her passion for food.
Following their retirement, Peggy and Jeff relocated to Incline Village, NV, where Peggy remained active in her community. Most recently, she served as President of the AAUW, where she led scholarship initiatives and launched a cooking club to inspire others.
Peggy is remembered as a kind and generous woman who cherished her family above all. She is survived by Jeff, daughters Kathryn and Allison, sons-in-law Aaron Lager and Nikita Balin, and her beloved grandchildren, Forest and Nico Lager, and Billie and Vinny Balin, who is due on December 9.
A celebration of Peggy’s life will take place on November 2, 2025, at 11 AM at Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village, providing an opportunity for family and friends to honor her incredible legacy.
Peggy Cooper Poindexter’s extraordinary life and contributions serve as an inspiration to many. Her passion for education, community, and family will continue to resonate with those she touched.
