Meet Peggy Konzack, a remarkable 102-year-old woman from Oregon who has been teaching swim classes for more than five decades and has no plans of slowing down any time soon. Her dedication to teaching generations of babies how to swim has earned her a well-known reputation in Roseburg, where she teaches at the YMCA of Douglas County. But this unexpected journey wasn’t initially on Peggy’s path.
Originally a stay-at-home mom of two, Peggy was on a trajectory to become a hairstylist when she was approached about a teaching opportunity, according to Marisa Fink, the executive director of the Oregon Alliance of YMCAs. Despite not foreseeing this turn in her life, Peggy embraced the role and has never looked back.
Peggy’s commitment to teaching swim classes remains steadfast, and she intends to continue as long as she can. She humorously quips, “I often said that I will keep teaching and swimming until they can wheel me in a wheelchair and dump me in the water.”
Born on June 5, 1921, in Los Angeles, Peggy’s journey led her to Butte, Mont., where she met her husband during a 7th Day Adventists Youth camp. In 1945, the couple settled in Roseburg, becoming deeply involved in their local church community. Peggy’s husband passed away at the age of 100 in 2021, but Peggy’s commitment to her community persisted.
Peggy’s connection to the YMCA grew stronger over the years, and she began participating in parent-child swim classes with a friend. When the instructor of the class had to leave the area, Peggy stepped up to take over, launching her lengthy tenure as a swim instructor.
Despite facing initial skepticism due to her age, Peggy pursued a teaching certificate in Sutherlin to prove she was more than capable. Presently, Peggy continues to teach at the same YMCA, imparting her love for swimming to new generations.
Peggy’s passion for her work is fueled by her love for helping mothers and working with their babies. The joy she finds in her role is palpable as she states, “It makes me happy. I’m glad to work with the kids [and] the babies…and I enjoy the relationship that I have with the parents.”
For Peggy, the relationships she’s forged while teaching are the highlight of her job. She cherishes the interactions with parents, babies, lifeguards, and everyone she meets day to day.
Her secret to staying fit and healthy at her age revolves around staying active. Peggy’s routine includes teaching on Mondays and Wednesdays, with additional swims at the YMCA on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. She emphasizes the importance of remaining active, as it energizes her and keeps her ready for the rest of the day.
Peggy’s zest for life shines through as she reflects on her active lifestyle. She’s resolute about not letting age slow her down and finds purpose in her daily activities. “It keeps me going,” she says, encapsulating her inspiring outlook on life.
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