It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peggy at home on February 17, 2011. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim in February, 2000.
Born in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, Peggy was one of seven children. She was raised by her grandmother and returned to her family when she was twelve years old. In 1944 she enlisted in the Royal Air Force as a Motor Transport Drive. Peggy became an English war bride when she married her husband, Jim, in 1945 and finally arrived in Calgary on April 1, 1946, wondering what she had got herself into. She had many stories to relate about her trip across Canada. Peggy and Jim lived in their home in Kimberley for thirty-seven years. Life was adventurous and at times challenging, yet Peggy always displayed grace and a sense of optimism. In 1983 they moved to Trail.
Peggy and Jim raised three children, daughter Judy (Larry) Martin of Trail and grandsons, Ryan (Ashley) and great grandchildren, Natalie and Patrick of Gibsons, and Jamie (Melissa) of Calgary; sons Jim and grandson, Chance of Terrace, and Rob (Candy) and grandson, Shane and granddaughter, Heather of Santa Maria, California.
While in Kimberley, Peggy was a member of the CWL and was a volunteer for the Kimberley Credit Union, collecting money at Blarchmont School, enabling children to save their money. She was a member of Local 651 Ladies Auxiliary, catering to various functions within the community. She has been a member of the Legion in Kimberley and Trail for the past fifty years or more.
A meticulous and proud woman, Peggy was a prodigious homemaker, and made wonderful meals and pies. She had an avid love for gardening and spent many hours with her flowers and vegetables which she shared with neighbours. She embraced life and was full of energy. She enjoyed camping and picking huckleberries and being in the outdoors at St. Mary’s Lake and Kootenay Lake.
Peggy loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and kept up with current events and sports to enjoy lively conversations with her quick wit. She enjoyed travelling to various places and loved to gamble. But her passion was shopping! She never missed a bargain if she could help it!
Peggy lived life with dignity and she had a strong belief in what was right or wrong. She was very independent, principled and intensely honest. She has been the guiding light in our family as she has loved us, provided for us, and taught us to value the things most important in life.
She cared deeply for her family. She especially enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and loved to watch them participate in their various sports. She shared a special unique bond with them and had fun with them. She was delighted when her two great grandchildren were born.
It was Peggy’s request that there be no funeral service and that a Celebration of Peggy’s Life be held at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Al Grywacheski of Personal Alternative Funeral Services “Carberry’s Chapel” is entrusted with arrangements.
Peggy will be sadly missed but will always remain alive in the happy memories of her family.
Her legacy lives in all of us.
No flower blooms forever…
Yet some blossom so lovely
They will never be forgotten.
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN . . .