DECEASED ALUM:  MOLLY PETERSCHMIDT O'BOYLE - FHHS CLASS OF 1979

July 12, 1961 – October 16, 2025

Molly Joan O’Boyle, 64, of Reston, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and passionate community leader whose life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Born in Iowa City, Iowa, on July 12, 1961, Molly was the second of six children to Joan M. and Mark A. Peterschmidt. She spent her childhood in Miami, FL, Cincinnati, OH, and Alexandria, VA, where she excelled academically and was a standout member of the Fort Hunt High School marching band.

Molly went on to pursue a degree in Horticultural Sciences at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, where she was a proud member of the Marching Virginians, playing the saxophone. Her love for music continued throughout her life, whether performing with EZ Smith and the Jazz Masters or attending live performances, particularly contemporary and smooth jazz.

Her professional journey began in horticulture, where she worked with Rolling Greens to maintain plants in commercial office spaces. It was during this time that Molly discovered the Dale Carnegie Course, a life-changing experience that propelled her into a career in sales and leadership with the Dale Carnegie organization. Through this experience, Molly found her true calling, becoming a powerful force for personal development and growth, both for herself and others.

Her leadership extended into her involvement with the DC and Arlington Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce), where she met Pat, her future husband. The two married in October 1990 and, together, embarked on a lifelong love of travel, beginning with a honeymoon in Ireland. They later settled in Reston, Virginia, where they raised their two children, Daire and Xuemei.

Molly was not only a dedicated mother but also a passionate gardener. She shared her love of nature through her work with the Reston Community Garden and the Fairfax Master Gardeners, leading seminars and workshops on gardening and sustainability. She was an avid canner, known for her world-famous “Cowboy Candy” jalapeño peppers and her constant quest for more mason jars.

Travel was a defining feature of Molly’s life. From a high school band tour of Europe to visits to China, Australia, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Peru, Mexico, and many more countries, Molly’s curiosity and love of the world were insatiable. In the years following the pandemic, she and Pat bought a 33-foot travel trailer and explored hidden gems across the United States.

In 2006, Molly was diagnosed with breast cancer, beginning a courageous and unrelenting battle that she fought with grace and strength for nearly two decades. Her cancer returned in 2022, but Molly continued to approach her illness with positivity, becoming an active participant in cancer support groups and offering support to others facing similar challenges.

Molly is survived by her beloved husband Pat, children Daire (Dorothy) and Xuemei (Bridget), Sisters, Brothers and a community of friends, neighbors, and loved ones who were touched by her vibrant spirit, generosity, and unwavering positivity. Her life was a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and living life to its fullest.

A celebration of Molly’s life will be held at Adams Green Funeral Home. Visitation Sunday November 2nd 3:00- 5:00 PM and Memorial Service Monday November 3rd at 1:00 PM followed by a larger reception at Ned Divine's Irish Pub Herndon VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Unite for Her (https://uniteforher.org) or Inova Life with Cancer ( https://www.lifewithcancer.org) in her memory.

Molly will be missed more than words can express, but her legacy of kindness, passion, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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