Peggy was born to Thomas and Margaret Durham on July 15, 1924 in Jarrow, England, and passed away peacefully on November 24, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario. Peggy was predeceased by her father Thomas, mother Margaret, sisters Sheila and Madeleine, brothers Michael and Frank. She was a devoted wife to Albert, her loving husband of 74 years. Peggy was a beloved mother to daughters Barbara (Vince), Sheila (Tim), and Geraldine (Peter), and cherished by her grandchildren Juanita, Greg, Kelsey, Brady, Shaun and Mike. She was treasured by her 14 great-grandchildren, and leaves behind her dear sister Bernadette.
Peggy grew up in Jarrow, in the Tyneside area of Northumberland, England. Her childhood was filled with many happy times with cousins, aunties and uncles, and romps with her sisters and friends to places like Marsden Rock on the North Sea.
During World War II, Peggy did various jobs in support of the war effort, one of which was working as an inspector on Lancaster Bombers. It was during this time that she met a blond haired Canadian sailor at a dance. Within 4 months they were engaged, and rarely saw each other until the end of the war, when they married in her hometown.
As a war bride Peggy traveled by ship and train to her new home in Montreal. There, she and Bert raised the girls in the town of Pointe Claire. When all three were in school, Peggy went to work as a Kindergarten Assistant and School Secretary.
When she and Bert retired they took up various amusements, with her chief love being lawn bowling. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and for many years she and Bert became snowbirds, down in Florida. In the latter years when she had to stay closer to home she enjoyed the community of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 638 in Kanata, and became a regular attendee on Friday for fish and chips.
Peggy was a faithful Catholic and we believe this faith sustained her to the end.
Peggy will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her gentle heart. She had a gift for truly engaging with people. Her cheerful attitude and inner strength made her one of a kind, and we will love and miss her always.
A Legion Service will be held at 10:45, followed by a Memorial Service on Monday, December 2 at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery, and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ontario. A small reception will be held after the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Livre de visiteurs
Chantelle Olson
Gordon and Leonie Lawrence
Only known through her daughter, Sheila, who is a lovely, gentle person. Margaret raised beautiful girls and we hope their memories will be wonderful to reflect on. Our thoughts go to the family
Margaret Ramsay
I remember her from the Pte. Claire days. She was always kind and welcoming.
I know you will miss her sorely.
My prayers are with your family at this time.
Doris and Pierre Fleur de Lys
74 years married! Wow! So sorry to hear of your loss Sheila and family.
Vern and Marilyn Giesbrecht
Dear Sheila and family, It is hard to lose your Mom and Grandma. She sounds like a wonderful woman, much like you, Sheila. How wonderful that her faith sustained and strengthened her and gave her a positive outlook on life, with hope. Praying for your love and pride in Margaret to be a huge comfort to you in the years ahead.
Grandma and great grandma will be missed by so many and she was such a lovely lady and we will never forget her. ❤️