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Peggy Fulton Hora

Peggy Fulton Hora

January 20th, 1946 - October 31st, 2020

Biography


Judge Peggy Fulton Hora, a retired California Superior Court Judge, died unexpectedly on October 31, 2020.  She was 74 years old.  Known for her quick wit and encyclopedic mind, she was an avid reader and movie buff who didn’t own a television for over 30 years.  She enjoyed the symphony, ballet and fine dining. Two sons – Paul (Jamie) Hora of Danville and Erik (Linda) Hora of Alamo --survive her; Tim Spangler of Manteca predeceased her.  Known to her eight grandchildren, Dillon, Kyle, Madison, Nathan, Kevin, Emily, Tommy, and Joseph, as “’Venture Grandma,” she traveled with them all over the world and sent hundreds of postcards from over 61 countries. 


Judge  Hora was born in Oakland and reared in Castro Valley. She was graduated from Castro Valley High School, Chabot College, California State University, Hayward and the University of San Francisco School of Law. Elected to the bench in 1984, she was the first woman judge in Southern Alameda County. She was recognized as an innovator and founder of the drug treatment court movement.  Judge Hora lectured nationally and internationally and wrote extensively on issues surrounding substance abuse, pregnant and parenting women, drug treatment courts and therapeutic jurisprudence.  She was cited over 100 times by the appellate court and various journals.


She was elected to the trial bench in 1984 and retired after serving 21 years. She had a criminal assignment that included presiding over the Hayward Drug Treatment Court.  She returned to sit on assignment in 2008 and especially enjoyed presiding over the drug, domestic violence and mental health courts. Speaking of her work as a drug treatment court judge, she said, “Few callings compare with the opportunity to leave a legacy that enhances the community, strengthens the criminal justice system, mends families, and restores individuals.”She was the dean of the B.E. Witkin Judicial College of California and was on the faculty of the National Judicial College for over fifteen years.  She was the 2004 recipient of the Bernard S. Jefferson Judicial Education Award from the California Judges’ Association.  In 2008, she was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame of Alameda County.


Judge Hora loved to travel and was known throughout the world for her drug court work.  She helped courts in Chile, Israel, New Zealand, Great Britain and Australia.  She served as the 2009-2010 Adelaide Thinker in Residence, the first in the field of law.  She was appointed by the Premier of South Australia and her report, “Smart Justice,” was distributed internationally.  


Never one to sit still for long, in 2015, Peggy, along with Brian MacKenzie and David Wallace, founded the Justice Speakers Institute (JSI). JSI has become a leader in the education of Justice System leaders worldwide. Its founders and associates are internationally recognized experts with decades of experience and mastery of more than 300 subjects impacting the justice system.  Among her many accomplishments, as president of JSI, Peggy co-edited the Science Benchbook for Judges which was published by the National Judicial College.


A lawyer who asked her to perform his daughter’s wedding said of her, “Those of you who know Judge Hora see her as a fine jurist, but she is also the kind of professional I hoped my daughter would emulate.  Judge Hora was not the first choice to preside over my daughter’s wedding.  Or even my second or third choice.  I first considered Eleanor Roosevelt but rejected her, as she is both deceased and not licensed in California.  I then thought of Dorothy Parker but she, too, is no longer with us and she might not have shown up sober.  Finally I thought of Hillary Rodham Clinton but I wasn’t sure she would receive the kind of unanimous reception my daughter deserves at her wedding.  So I arrived at Peggy Hora’s name, a woman I equally admire and who combines the strength and compassion of Mrs. Roosevelt, the wit of Ms. Parker and the independence and vision of Senator Clinton.”


The world has lost an amazing individual, but Peggy’s influence will live on through not only her transformative work in the judicial system but also her countless friends, acquaintances, associates, and most profoundly, her family.  


 

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About

Name Peggy Fulton Hora
Date of Birth January 20th, 1946
Date of Death October 31st, 2020
Other City Walnut Creek, CA, US 
In Memoriam Donation Oakland Zoo, Oakland California

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Yasuhiro Maruyama published a tribute .

Peggy,

My precious memories with you will always have a special place in my heart.

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Dan Altvater published a tribute .

Been thinking about the Judge quite a bit over the last weeks. It’s weird when you meet someone a handful of times and they have such a profound impact you. There is just something special about certain people, some sort of spark. Went to dinner with Peggy a few times, had a few lunch’s together and sat in a few conference rooms with her. Usually takes me a while to warm up to someone but she felt like an old friend instantly. Being her friend was just easy. Peggy’s work lives on and will be handed down from Judge to Judge. Her effort continues to impact lives for the better. Proud to have her been her friend.

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Erik Hora published a comment .

Love the tribute. We miss her.

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Joe Brann published a tribute .

I have been thinking about Peggy recently and decided this morning to reach out to her to just catch up and reconnect since we had not spoken for some time. It was a shock and I was heartbroken to learn of her passing. I don't know that I can adequately convey how much I admired and respected her but do feel compelled to share some of my feelings.
I first met Peggy over 30 years ago, immediately after coming to Hayward to serve as the Chief of Police there. She was not only a wonderful resource and so very helpful in acclimating me to my new community through introductions and helping me get my bearings there, but she became a lifelong friend. In truth, I don't think there could be anyone whom Peggy ever came in contact with that she didn't treat as a friend and was willing to serve as their mentor. It was simply part of her DNA, her personality and her desire to connect in a meaningful way. She cared. The term "humanistic" accurately describes her because she always sought to recognize the value and potential of others and treat them with dignity.
I now deeply regret that we were not in frequent contact in recent years as I've been in southern California for more than 20 years now. Subsequent to my service with the City of Hayward I served in DC with the USDOJ where I was able to help direct funding and support toward one of Peggy's favorite endeavors - drug courts. I had the pleasure and privilege of helping provide support and funding for that program, as well as having the opportunity to witness some of the successes and accomplishments she brought about.
I have so many wonderful memories of Peggy - and not only in the professional realm we shared. We used to go out for lunch on occasion - and she always insisted on driving the red Mazda Miata she had at that time, which I think every Hayward PD cop knew to be hers! She clearly enjoyed life and made the most of every moment -and she made every effort to ensure that those around her enjoyed their time with her.
As I'm certain is the case with anyone else who had the privilege of knowing her, I have nothing but fond memories. I am so appreciative of the wonderful conversations we had, the intellect and wisdom she shared, and her well-known ability to inject and display humor into any situation, just when it was most needed. I am heartened by the other comments I have read here and appreciate that we can all take solace in knowing that her legacy lives on. The evidence of that is found in the influence she continues to have on all of us. I am certain we will all miss her presence but we can take comfort in having known her good works and intentions can be carried forward.

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Erik Hora published a comment .

Thank you for the kind words

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Judge Cynthia Cox published a tribute .

I met Judge Hora many years ago at several drug court trainings around the country and I was immediately impressed with her knowledge, passion and dedication to problem solving courts. She was a great teacher, was fun and entertaining! There are certain people that you run across in your life that you remember and/or want to emulate, respect and remember (not everyone!) But Judge Hora was one of those and I feel that we connected. I learned alot from her as did many others. Her mark on earth will be remembered for many years. She was very well-respected, known by and helpful to many around the country and hearing about her unexpected demise at such a young age is very heartbreaking. Sending sincere sympathy (albeit a little late) to all of her friends and family.

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Erik Hora published a comment .

Thank you.

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Georgia Stoll published a tribute .

I met Peggy when I was 15 when I had the honour of working with her in a Thinker in Residence restorative justice program run by the South Australian Government. My mother worked for the Courts Administration Authority, which was assisting with the program, and she was tasked with showing Peggy around Adelaide and introducing her to all the beautiful sites, wildlife, food, and wine available. I first met Peggy when she came to dinner at our house and I was in awe of her intelligence and success as a Supreme Court Judge. As a young woman Peggy was an inspiring character and she encouraged me to join the Thinker in Residence Program where I worked with a number of other high school and university students to research and then write a report presented to the South Australian Government on Restorative Justice, something Peggy was very passionate about. Without Peggy's support, guidance, and encouragement, I would not have put myself out there to join the program and contribute to an important cause.
Once Peggy left Adelaide and returned home to California, we kept in touch and I very much enjoyed seeing photos of her adventures around the world on Facebook.
She had a lasting impact on everyone she met and I consider myself very lucky I ever got to cross paths with Peggy, even if it was only for a short time.

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Judith Cohen published a tribute .

I first met "da Judge" in 2000 when she was presiding over the Drug Court in Hayward. We collaborated in launching a program for persons who were arrested for crimes related to their methamphetamine dependence. At that time there were no established programs to treat methamphetamine dependence. We were the only site funded as a partnership of a Drug Court and a Drug Treatment Program. Her version of Tough Love was a major driver of the Program's success, and it became a model for the field. As I was an Epidemiologist comfortable with data, we jointly developed a Powerpoint presentation that she took on the road, to great success. Along the way, we also shared discoveries in books, films and dining - ah, those Lobster lunches!
I miss her more than I can express. Twenty years of friendship was too short. For me, her memory will always be a blessing.

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Marjorie Silver published a tribute .

I first encountered Peggy as a newbie at the First International Conference on Therapeutic Jurisprudence, Winchester England, 1998. I walked in on the middle of her presentation where she told a story that clarified for me what this strange new theory was about.

Peggy was presiding over a will contest, brought by the deceased's son against his sister based on undue influence. The mother had left her house (which, as I recall, was her entire estate) to her daughter, who had lived with and cared for the mother during the latter's final years. Peggy found for the daughter, but before she dismissed the parties, she said to the son, "Just because your mother didn't leave anything to you in her will didn't mean she didn''t love you." The son burst into tears. Peggy explained that feeling unloved was most likely the real reason the son brought the suit, as he didn't need his mother's house. Peggy went on to identify two other instances when TJ might have been applied. One, when the son consulted with the lawyer who brought the lawsuit; he could have said the same thing to the son. Going back even further, when the mother consulted with the lawyer who wrote the will. He could have suggested that the will say something to the son about the mother's decision to leave the house to her daughter. I have used this example to explain the essence of TJ ever since.

That was my "aha" moment, and I've never looked back. It has informed my teaching and my scholarship. Through TJ, Peggy and I continued to be part of each other's professional lives, and she was a guest in my class more than once.

I last saw Peggy in July in Rome, where she, I, and her colleagues from the Justice Speakers Institute gave a presentation on Procedural Justice at the TJ stream of the International Congress on Law and Mental Health. I feel blessed that she was in my life, albeit for too short a time.

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Johan M Klehs published a tribute .

Peggy Hora lived a thriving life, loved her family and friends, and was a dedicated public servant. We first met sitting next to each other in constitutional law courses at Cal-State East Bay. We were both early members of the Southern Alameda County Chapter of NWPC. i was proud to enjoy her support during my time in the State Assembly and on the Board of Equalization. Likewise it was a duty and pleasure to support her when she first ran for Judge in 1984. Peggy Hora leaves a legacy of integrity, respect, and inspiring many to follow the trail she blazed.
- Johan Klehs

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Margalynne Armstrong published a comment .

Peggy hired me at Legal Aid of Alameda County after I graduated from law school even though she did not think new lawyers should learn how to practice on poor people. she was a great boss and became a friend. I worked on her campaign to become a judge. It was a huge and trailblazing victory because she was a legal services attorney and not a DA or corporate lawyer. Peggy performed my wedding 34 years ago. Although I haven't seen her in forever, I have followed her amazing, influential and compassionate career. She know how to use her opportunities to relish life. Her postings of gourmet meals around the world were breathtaking. I was so jealous that she saw one of the Lin Manuel Miranda Hamilton performances in Puerto Rico. Her passing is a terrible loss. My condolences to her family, I know how proud she was of her children. A well lived life, over too soon.

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Michael Lumbard published a tribute .

I’m so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was one of my favorite people in high school. She’s now no doubt presiding at a higher court. Michael Lumbard, Col., USAF (Ret.)

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Clothilde V Hewlett published a comment .

My husband and I were very honored to go on a trip of a lifetime with Peggy: The African American Experience in Paris. She was indeed ahead of her time. She realized that we are all global citizens regardless of our social, ethnic or racial backgrounds. I will always remember the special moment we shared as I took her in a wheelchair within three feet of the Mona Lisa. We looked at each other and realized we had just experienced a moment of a lifetime. We will miss her as will all of her friends at UC Berkeley. She represents the true spirit of Fiat Lux!

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Marie Danner published a comment .

Peggy and I embraced speechless inside a newly excavated tomb of Egyptian Queen that was in tack and not yet opened to the public in the late 90’s, I’m sure many shared such moments with her as you and I did. Marie

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Darin H. Kawazoe published a tribute .

Aloha Oe, Judge. May the wonders of your life’s work live into perpetuity. Thank you so much for your friendship.

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Judge Renard Shepard (Ret) published a comment .

Wonderful Lady. Always had a beautiful smile when she saw you. I attended several of her classes for judges. She was a real people person, and cared about you. I have two sons also, and we ofter chatted about raising boys. Her sons were very fortunate to have a Mom like her, she was very proud of them. She had a heart of gold filled with love. She will be missed.

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Gloria Halman published a tribute .

I've been numb these past few weeks after learning of the sudden passing of my friend of more than 35 years. I had the pleasure of her choosing me to introduce her at the Alameda County Women's HALL of FAME in 2008. She brought me into her family and I love them all. We took several trips together and never lost touch after I moved to Az two years ago. She was there for me and I was there for her and her family. I will miss her. GREATLY....

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Sherri Camps published a tribute .

I will miss your wit & wisdom here on earth, my friend, and imagine you are now adeptly aligning heaven with the values you held so dear.

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Marie Danner published a comment .

Peggy was the first woman Judge elected to the bench in southern Alameda county. She was a roll model for many of us Feminists in the early 70’s. From NWPC to the Dills (Demure Intelligent Ladies Dine Out”) we were so noisy that we ended up eating at each other’s house, which was a treat for those of us who didn’t wear aprons. Peggy was a gourmet Chef, my favorite was Polenta. A few of us traveled together to Hong Kong, Egypt, Istanbul, Tahiti and a couple of Spas, Lake Austin and Red Mountain. We carried our Rummy Cube board all over the world! She build a library in one of the boys bedroom with all of the walls covered with books including a sliding ladder. I come from a family of readers and my daughters would ask her what are you currently reading, so often the she made a list for us to share. My two favorite books on her list were/are Fried Green Tomatoes and the Poison Book Bible. Peggy was my First Feminist Girlfriend, in my dance through life, “I stopped wearing high heels while dancing backwards”

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George Granger published a tribute .

I was deeply saddened to learn of Peggy’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Peggy for forty years. I admired her passion for justice, compassion for others, her relentless curiosity, and her boundless energy. 

Like everyone who came into contact with her, I have many Peggy stories that I will treasure in the years ahead. I would see her at Valley Java in Castro Valley where we would discuss current events, her latest projects, and her amazing travel schedule. She was up to date on everything from the news, to the best new books, what movies to see, to the hot show in New York. I often shared Peggy’s recommendations with others looking for guidance. 

I was on the Castro Valley School Board for many years and appreciated when Peggy would say that she was a proud graduate of Castro Valley High School—-in turn, we were all proud to have such an accomplished person as one of our own. 

Peggy was a force of nature. I know that her commitment to justice will continue to inspire others and that all of us who had the good fortune of knowing Peggy as a friend will be comforted by the many happy memories we have of her.

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Shelia Young published a comment .

I can only say ditto to all who have written the superlatives for our friend Peggy. I recall working on her first campaign for judge when we would gather after at a local drinking establishment in Castro Valley. I met her then and, of course, through mutual C.V. high graduates. What a fond and loving memory I have of all of those who were with me then. And may I say rest in peace to all of them. They are all partying together now and waiting for the rest of us to join them.

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Stephen Hanson published a tribute .

Peggy was an amazing woman. Her love of life, family, movies, fine food and travel were legendary. Her innovations as a judge are too many to list. I was privileged to present with her on numerous occasions. She was always a hard act to follow. One of my favorite memories was the first day I met her. Her court was being observed by courts looking to implement their own drug courts. When one of her participants had done something they weren't supposed to, she said "What were you thinking...or am I assuming facts not in evidence". Judge Ellen DeShazer (another legend) stifled our laughter at the judicial humor. But something else happened which was much more indicative of the judge and person she was. One oher participants announced that he and his girlfriend were getting married. Everyone cheered. The participant looked nervous, and the coordinator said "go ahead, ask her." Judge Hora said "ask me what?" The participant asked if she would perform the ceremony. Than Peggy, and everyone else cried. She was so proud of her participants' successes.

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John Bennison published a comment .

I first met Peggy in 2014, when she became a founding member of the non-profit Mountain Shadow Film Society in Walnut Creek; serving the last seven years on our volunteer Board as vice-president. As I've led this organization, I often found her support to be invaluable. I found her to be everything others have described; sharp, bright, witty, ano-nonsense professional, with a heart. Her sudden death is a deep personal loss, and on behalf of our organization I express our deep gratitude for the contribution she made.

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Maria Aguirre published a comment .

I first met Peggy at an annual spa retreat that I had been invited to join. We met in Lake Austin Spa Resort. After that I went with the group for several years. I especially loved to hear Peggy’s stories. She was such a humble , kind being. I once mentioned that I would be playing Trivial Pursuit with Peggy. Their reaction was “ with Peggy?! ! Good luck!

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Maria Aguirre published a comment .

It was a privilege to have known Peggy Hora!!

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Helen Harberts published a tribute .

To all who knew her: we grieve her passing, and loved the fun and learning she brought to our lives. To her family: she was so proud of you. She beamed when she talked about you, and bragged on her wonderful daughters in law. Peggy loved to share stories and photos of her "grands". You know that. We often talked about our families of origin, and about our Moms who worked in the shipbuilding industry in WW2. Peggy never forgot where she came from, or what it took to overcome challenges. I cherished those discussions over dinners and during travel. Always after the legal, and psychopharmacology discussion, we came back to her family and her love for all of you. It isn't easy growing up with a force of nature who demands the best and works so hard. Peggy became a living legend over the years. Thank you for sharing her with us. Her humor, passion, and intellect is missed by thousands....and none more than you.

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Debbie Cima published a tribute .

Peggy led a life with purpose. I think that’s what she instilled in all of us. When you were around her she pulled you in to a circle of critical thinkers. You could not be lazy or quiet. She started conversations that required you to think, evaluate, re-assess and become better informed.
My first mentor court experience was with her treatment court. She was so knowledgeable AND compassionate, it changed how probation and our DA looked at cases. We had great times when traveling/working for NDCI. It was always a better time when Peggy was there. She was extremely busy but always made time for her California Drug Court family. She will be missed, but remembered even more. RIP (as if that’s even possible !)
Deb Cima

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Kathleen Sikora published a tribute .

I am shocked and deeply saddened that Peggy is gone. She was always so full of life--bold, brave, a strong and charismatic presence. She was among the very finest teachers/educators I have known--filled with passion for her subjects, generosity for her students, and kindness toward staff. She was devoted to equal justice and fairness, especially for those most vulnerable and often marginalized. She was a pioneer in the solution-focused courts movement and in areas of judicial education too numerous to list. She was indefatigable. And highly ethical. Her sense of humor was legendary. I will never forget the sound of her laugh. She was also a kind and loyal friend. I will miss her terribly. Another wonderful biography can be found on the National Judicial College website: judges.org. On that site there is an option to donate to another good cause in her memory.

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Joan Zweben published a tribute .

Peggy was a remarkable woman, deeply knowledgeable, wonderfully outrageous and passionate about social justice. We met around 2002, when we teamed up on a grant to study a treatment model for methamphetamine dependence. This was a nationwide problem in the early 2000’s. I was the ED of a mental health and substance abuse treatment program, then known as East Bay Community Recovery Project, and we had a lot of methamphetamine users in treatment. Peggy was a Drug Court Judge in Hayward at that time and she had a lot of interaction with our clients.
Our staff and I visited her court proceedings several times, and were deeply impressed by her commitment, creativity and common sense. She would remove petty but important obstacles like parking tickets and use her community connections to identify job prospects for clients living in Hayward. I will always remember a Drug Court graduation I attended. She would invite the arresting officers because she understood they needed to see some successes. Probably the best moment was when a graduating client tearfully described her experience, ending with “I am so glad I got arrested in Hayward.”
Peggy was an original. We will miss her greatly.
Joan Zweben

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Bruce Goddard published a tribute .

I’m shocked and saddened by the death of our friend, Peggy. She never stopped learning and growing, she never gave up the fight. She was strong, active and alive. And then, suddenly, without warning, she was gone. We are blessed that she was here with us and enriched by the full life she lived. R.I.P., Your Honorableness.

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Cynthia Herriott published a tribute .

I’ve known Peggy Hora for years. I love her and considered her my friend. We shared a passion for women’s equality. When she came to visit in Rochester, NY, I made sure she was able to visit the Susan B. Anthony House. One of the things that stood out about her to me was her passion for the justice system, and her insistence that it work fairly for everyone. This world has lost a She-ro.

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Bruce Goddard published a comment .

I’m shocked and saddened by the death of our friend, Peggy. She never stopped learning and growing, she never gave up the fight. She was strong, active and alive. And then, suddenly, without warning, she was gone. We are blessed that she was here with us and enriched by the full life she lived. R.I.P., Your Honorableness.

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Joyce Burkholder published a tribute .

A bright light has gone out for those of us who had the good fortune to know Peggy Hora. Apart from her humor, inteligence, and indomitable spirit, she was a compassionate and kind friend. She and I shared similar interests, professionallly and personally, for the past 25 years. In spite of this, I didn't know a great deal about the earlier years in her life. Peggy didn't spend much time looking in the rear view mirror, but preferred to enjoy the present while making lots of future plans. She is loved and she was always be missed.

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Meghan Joyce Tozer published a tribute .

When I joined the Mountain Shadow Film Society here in Walnut Creek last year, Peggy reached out to see if I'd like to meet up for coffee. We ended up talking for hours. We were planning to meet up for white wine and chowder at the Walnut Creek Yacht Club, but then COVID-19 happened and we never did. I deeply regret that I only spent one afternoon with Peggy, and that I didn't meet her sooner! She shared so much with me in that short time and left an impression I will take with me forever. I'm 34 and a mother of two very young children; when I met Peggy, I was pregnant with my second. She was so candid about reaching goals related to motherhood AND her career. Despite being in different generations, we connected about the issues women face and our ideas for solutions. I'm so sorry for your loss. Peggy was an amazing person.

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J Kim Wright published a tribute .

I send love and condolences to all who feel the loss of Peggy.

My first recollection of spending time with her was when I interviewed her for my website in 2008. (You can see that interview at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6714103DD989DDCB which is now a precious recollection, preserved for all time.) She then gave me a list of others to meet and interview, always the generous connector.

And from then we were friends and often travel companions. We both traveled the world, spreading the news of a more humane, compassionate, workable, and therapeutic approach in the legal system. We called on shared resources and commingled our communities. I often messaged Peggy for the latest stats before I gave a presentation. She gave me an international cookbook. We shared pictures and stories of the most brilliant family members in the world, ours.

We so enjoyed orchestrating meetings in South Africa, Australia, and Europe - and once in a while our paths crossed in the US, even Walnut Creek. I was her plus-one at conferences I didn't attend but wanted to enjoy socially. We had plans for a future trip to the Guggenheim in Bilbao where Peggy would give a training on problem-solving courts for the Basque government.

I already miss her.

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Bob Pauly & Rocky Mountain published a tribute .

With sadness we will miss Peggy on future travels, because we considered her as our traveling buddy. Her charming smile and quick wit were winning characteristics that made us instant friends. Her curiosity of many subjects and sense of adventure, as well as enjoying good food and wines, remind us of our many shared experiences.

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Judge Wendy Lindley ( Ret) published a tribute .

Back when I met Peggy there were not many female judges. We were challenged with walking that line...... so as not to be judged too soft or too hard. Peggy was among the first female judges I met who wore her robe on her own terms. Her intelligence, humor ,creativity and determination allowed for this. I could go on for pages about her incredible legacy, she is sorely missed.

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Grace Smith published a tribute .

Deep sympathy for your loss. Peggy was a truly remarkable woman. It was a pleasure to see her at Trivia; she was also a frequent winner.

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Hon. Jamoa Moberly (Ret.) published a tribute .

I first met Peggy at Judges College after my appointment. She was a true force of intellect and passion and always dove in 110%. I was so impressed by her post retirement ventures abroad. She lived two lifetimes and I will really miss her.

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James "jim" Heiting published a comment .

I already told the family how much you meant to me and to the recovery community. You saved countless lives, families and careers. It is hard to believe you are gone. Those of us left behind must increase our efforts to try to make up for some of the loss we have with you no longer with us. Thank you.

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Cindee S. Matyas published a tribute .

Years ago at my first Drug Court Conference, after her educational session, Judge Hora gave everyone her personal email address so we could follow up with direct questions and to invite us to be on her email list to share resources. I have always appreciated her leadership and availability to me and other Specialty Court Judges. Please accept my condolences to her friends and family.

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Marcia Hirsch published a tribute .

Judge Peggy Hora was an amazing teacher, judge, mentor, friend and colleague. Her passion for our treatment courts and the work that we do was contagious. No one could teach judicial ethics like she could!! Her zest for life, quality time spent with her family and friends, her love of Broadway theater (and Hamilton!), her intelligence, compassion and empathy will always be remembered.

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Jeri Cohen published a tribute .

Peggy was an original. There was simply no one like her. Peggy was brilliant, self-confident, iconoclastic, a treatment court pioneer , an amazing writer, jurist and humanitarian, a beloved educator, wickedly funny, courageous and a mother, grandmother and great friend. The world is a much smaller place without Peggy in it. The treatment community and all her friends will miss her greatly.

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Ruben Reyes published a tribute .

Sad and unexpected news to hear of Judge Hora's passing. A common thread of people like Judge Hora is the passion for the drug court model because of the people drug courts help. Peggy, thank you for your heart and compassion. Your legacy of the lives you impacted is generational. Ruben Reyes

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Judge William Meyer (Ret.) published a tribute .

Judge Peggy Hora was person who changed anyone that had contact with her--from the drug court participants she guided, to her collegues she co-taught and wrote with, to the attendees of her valuable courses and presentations. Her enthusiam was contagious, her knowledge about substance abuse was wide-ranging and her empathy/caring was heart-felt. A personality larger than life, she was always glad to see you and never afraid to go against the tide when the practice was either legally or scientifically wrong. Peggy will sorely missed by the problem-solving court field, her collegues and her children and grand-children, of whom she often spoke. Thank you, Judge Peggy Hora for what you contributed to the growth of the field and to my professional improvement. Your firend and colleague, wgm

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Kirstin Frescoln published a tribute .

Judge Peggy Hora exuded positive energy and challenged each of us to do better. Her influence on the principles of therapeutic jurisprudence are indelible. I thank her for the training she delivered in North Carolina, across the United States, and the World. Our world is a dimmer without her.

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Marcelita Haynes published a comment .

Judge Peggy was the BEST!! As a “baby” judge over 25 years ago she took me under her wing , supported me, advised me, encouraged me and taught me the true meaning of judging and friendship. Her endeavors over the years have changed enumerable lives in America and across the world. I can truly say I would not be the person or judge I am today without you mother’s influence.

Peggy embodied restorative justice in an era when it was not politically correct or popular. Today courts are taking the ground work she laid and changing lives. Credit has to been given to my dear friend for her contribution. I cry with you remembering her laugh. I pray that the two of you cling to the memories of your mom and remember: to live life in color as she did, love deeply as she did and laugh often as she did. Peggy's friend Marci

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Julie Conger published a tribute .

I am so sorry to hear this news; it is hard to think of a world without Peggy and her wonderful energy! I had the good fortune to take a couple of judicial education classes taught by Peggy (Domestic Violence; Landlord-Tenant law) - Peggy set the Gold Standard for teaching ability. Through the years I served as a judge and attended numerous judicial conferences; at each conference a number of younger judges would, upon learning I was from Alameda County, come up and tell me how much Peggy had taught them and how much they admired her. Peggy was a living legend and will be greatly missed!

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Marilyn Eakin published a tribute .

My husband and I met Peggy at Valley Java when we lived in the neighborhood about 17 years ago, and we became instant fans. What a brilliant, funny, warm, and wonderful person. It was always a treat when we happened to be at Valley Java at the same time. I loved chatting with her and just being in her presence. I didn't even really understand what an accomplished, badass woman she was until some years later.
We've since moved around a few times and I have kept in loose touch with her via her emails and Facebook and even attended a film upon her recommendation. We have been back in Castro Valley for a few years, but I haven't had the pleasure of running into her in a long time. I'm saddened to hear of her passing.

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Max Harris published a tribute .

I met Peggy in New Zealand and then was in touch with her later by email. She was full of enthusiasm and energy and commitment. I'm smiling thinking about her, and sad she's no longer with us. Rest in power, Peggy.

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David Ogden published a tribute .

I met Peggy back in the NWPC days when she was a whirling dervish of activity for feminist and other liberal causes. Much later, as my wife-to-be and I were planning our wedding, thirty-plus years ago, I asked Peggy to officiate, which she gladly did. I guess it was during and after that time, when she became a celebrated jurist. Major contributions to society from this woman. RIP, Peggy. You're the best.

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Norma Jaeger published a tribute .

Judge Hora (Peggy) was a role model, a system thinker and leader, and an inspiration to a generation of professionals working to make the justice system more fair and effective. She stood for excellence, hard work and compassion along with understanding what it takes to be both just and merciful. Beyond that she was fun! Fun to chat with, fun to have dinner with and fun to work with. She taught me a great deal but among the lessons was that my small suitcase would fit in the overhead bin on commuter planes despite what the flight attendants believed. Her million mile plus status was an inspiration but not one I expect to be able to reach. Fly high Peggy. The universe is now yours!
Norma Jaeger
Meridian Idaho

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Amy Miles published a tribute .

Peggy was such a steadfast leader and mentor. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to spend more time with her, such a lovely woman.

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Carin Johnson (Formerly Carin Mcculley) published a tribute .

It is with great honor and respect that I write about Judge Hora. As a brand new lawyer 27 years ago, or so, I tried my very first jury trial before Judge Hora. I was frightened but I sure didn’t want the judge to know it (but I am sure she did). Judge Hora was kind to me and I will never forget (and I never did) what an impact she made on my life. Judge Hora was kind and sharp at the same time. She was funny, very real, down to earth, kind, smart, and best of all-fearless. She taught me (without teaching me) to be prepared and professional in the presentation of the law. Years and years of appearing before Judge Hora was an absolute pleasure. I NEVER stopped admiring her and her work for the good of the community and world. I was very sad to hear of her passing. I am very sorry for the loss to her family. She clearly left an amazing legacy and surely a host of amazing moments and stories to always cherish. I know that I have a host of my own stories. I will always thank and honor Judge Hora forever.

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Julie Gainsley published a tribute .

I met her line dancing and she was the most amazing individual I had ever met. She went to Rio de Janeiro with me.

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Mark L Bigelow published a tribute .

I think Peggy chose me to drive her to the first follow-up appointment after her heart surgery because we had a new Tesla and she wanted a ride in it. Subsequently she joined my wife and I on several overnight trips because she wanted to drive it. Which she did for many miles. I could never convince her to buy one though because the available colors were much too bland for her tastes.

Peggy was a great travel companion. Her skills in using her mobile phone in any city to find exceptional restaurants were unsurpassed. But much more than this, Peggy was a wise and considerate friend. We will miss her greatly.

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Linda Tejada published a tribute .

Peggy was special. I knew her before she was a judge, went to her swearing in and induction into the Hall of Fame and had a celebratory weekend with her when she retired. Her sense of humor and humanity were beyond belief - the story of her taking off her dress to lend to a defendant to make her more presentable in court will live on forever. The world is a better place because of Peggy Hora!

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Susan Finlay Marrinan published a tribute .

Peggy was an inspirational teacher who inspired everyone who was fortunate enough to attend one of her classes. She was creative and had energy that was boundless. We taught trial skills together, with Judge Mary Morgan, at the Judicial College, prior to her becoming Dean. She lived with passion. She was one of a kind. No one can take her place.

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Judge Mike Town (Retired) published a tribute .

Aloha all. Peggy and I began a long and wonderful friendship beginning in 1998 in Winchester, England. We presented on therapeutic justice and much more around the world. Most recently on Kaua’i on compassion fatigue and resilience.. What a joy to be with her and experience becoming a justice sherpa. We last spoke this year planning a presentation in Missouri. Her presence graced all of us and her love for her family and friends was stunning! May her light continue to shine and give us all grace. I will never forget her!

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Hon. Richard J. Mcadams (Ret.) published a tribute .

I first met Peggy when we were both on the Municipal Court bench in California in the 80's. We taught together at the Judges College and other judicial education programs for several years. As a teaching colleague, there was no one who was more knowledgeable, smart, engaging, worldly and loads of fun, I am sure many have said before me in their tributes that she was one of a kind. I am sorry for your loss of a wonderful mother. Here's to you, Peggy!

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