After a rich and fulfilling life, Margaret “Peggy” Alice Chase (nee Peachey) age 88 years, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospital with her family by her side.
Peggy was born in Fort Frances, second of three daughters, to Jessie and John Peachey. She and her sisters enjoyed their youngest years in the Fort before returning to their parents’ home town of Port Arthur.
Mom enjoyed sports of all kinds but excelled in badminton and basketball. However, baseball was her favourite, often mentioning that she hit many baseballs onto Prospect school’s roof! After graduating from PACI, Peggy went to work as an administrative secretary until she married.
It was while skiing with friends that she met Don. For their first date, Dad decided to impress Mom by inviting her to play duplicate bridge even though he himself did not know how to play! Fortunately for him this did not stop their love story. Peggy and Don enjoyed 56 years of marriage and 47 years as business partners in ‘the treasure house ltd’ gift shop. The store was the place Peggy shone brightly!
She could socialize with the public, work side by side with her husband, Don and travel on many domestic and international buying trips in order to find the many unique and specialized items to sell in Thunder Bay.
Over their years in business, Peggy and Don welcomed many employees into their family. They were fortunate to have many family members, including their son Ken, helping out whenever needed, especially over the Christmas season. Lastly, their daughter Carol became a partner in the business for 17 years before closing for their retirement.
Throughout her working years, Peggy was a member and past president to both the I.O.D.E. chapter of Port Arthur and the Amethyst Beach Association. Mom loved being at camp, spending 5 months a year there, tending to her many gardens and flowers. Often saying ‘there is always room for one more plant or flower in my garden or on the wall!’. Another of Mom’s favourite things to do at camp was making preserves to share with everyone.
Peggy also loved socializing with her many bridge groups over the years. These friends kept Mom busy, even if it was just a phone call to say hello and see how they were doing.
Mom loved reading books and especially reading the newspaper. It was Mom’s warm smile and her knowledge which gave her the ability to connect with people. This meant a ‘quick trip out’ to go shopping never happened, as she could start up conversations with complete strangers for hours and make a new friend by the end of it. This is why Mom knew so many people so well and made friends easily where ever she went.
Over the years, Mom cherished her many dogs and rescue dogs. Peggy was a friendly, witty and caring person who had a radiant smile and laugh that people couldn’t help but want to be her friend. Mom was a loving wife, mother and friend who will be missed by all who knew her.
Throughout Mom’s life she was a strong, positive and upbeat person. This got her through the hardest days and years after the love of her life, Don passed away in 2018, followed by her best friend, Mom’s sister Jane in 2022.
Peggy is survived by her son Ken (Jayme) and daughter Carol (John), as well as her nieces and nephews: Lynne (Darrell), Jack (Larry), Lorraine (late Steve Lankin), Warren, Joelle (Scott), Lee-Ann (Jamie), Chris (Scott), extended family members and her rescue dog Checo. Peggy was predeceased by her husband Don; parents Jessie and John “Jack” Peachey; in-laws Edith and Harry Chase; brothers-in-law Bruce Chase, John Chase and Peter Christy and sisters Dorothy Christy and Jane Peachey.
Cremation has taken place. As per Mom’s wishes, there will be no service, both Dad and Mom will be buried in the family plot at Riverside Cemetery.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the District Humane Society or an animal rescue group would be appreciated.
A LIFE WELL LIVED
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
