Peg passed away peacefully at Sunridge Place on May 16, 2017 shortly after celebrating her 96th birthday. Predeceased by her husband of 66 years Gerald (Digby), daughter Joy, grandson David and sister Nancy.
A loving mother to daughter Pamela, beloved “Nana” to Frank and Myrna Schwagly, grandson Paul (Mary Ellen); granddaughter Tammy, great-grandson Andrew, Nadine Lambert and Peter Schwagly. Dearly loved as “Granny Smith” by Laurence and Elizabeth Richards, their children and grandchildren. Also remembered by her nephew Geoff Scullard in England.
Peg was born in West Ewell, Surrey, England on April 22, 1921. It was here that she met her husband Digby who was serving with the Canadian Forces during the War. They were married in 1941. Peg then immigrated to Victoria, crossing the Atlantic when it was mined. Digby joined her there at the end of the War.
In 1950 they moved to Duncan. They both had beautiful singing voices and shared a love of music and theatre. Peg was instrumental in forming the first Duncan drama club and she performed in many theatrical and musical productions, most notably Show Boat. In the 1980’s they became members of the Cowichan Choral led by Jim and Sheila Johnson which later became known as the Concetti Singers.
Peg also had a love of photography but her favourite place to be was in the garden. She always said that she was “nearer to God in the garden than anywhere else on earth”. Peg had a wonderful sense of humour and will always be remembered as a kind, caring, compassionate woman who drew people to her like a magnet. She had that wonderful ability to sit and listen to other people’s problems without passing judgement and to offer sound advice. She was the epitome of courage, grace and humility and we have all been blessed to have known her.
Many thanks to the wonderful caring friends she had met on her journey through life-especially Bob and Karolyn Sherman, Vera Martin, Laurence and Elizabeth Richards, Sandy Richards, Judy McLeod, Sheila Johnson, Jean Davis, Midge Adams, Gwynn King, Frieda and Hans Bauer, Doris Ehrinberg, Rodel and Zita Lagdaan and Frank and Myrna Schwagly.
Thank you to Dr Bryan Bass and Staff at Sunridge Place for your care. Special thanks to Kelly Schindel and Clay Anderson for being there for Peg.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 31st,, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the afternoon at St. Peter’s Church, Quamichan, 5800 Church Road in Duncan. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association would be appreciated.
At Rest