May 26, 1920 to September 25, 2009
Peggy McKeachie passed away suddenly and peacefully with family at her side in Victoria on September 25, 2009 at the age of “I’m 89, you know!” Born in Victoria, Mom, Nanny, G-Nan, Auntie Peg was a friend to all who met her. Her husband Ian predeceased her 44 years ago. She is also predeceased by brother Doug Whyte and sister Mary Barber. Peggy was always there for her 5 children: John (Sandi), Jane (Maurice) Vaesen, Anne McKeachie, Cathy (Jeff) Sinclair, and Bob (Sue); 12 grandchildren: Kent, Mark, Craig, Steven, Karen, Jennifer, Jessica, Liane, Brandon, Kyle, Alex and Nicole and 2 great-grandchildren: Kesler and Rebecca. She also leaves her brother-in-law Jimmy (Joyce) McKeachie. The family wishes to acknowledge cousins Joan Watt and Noni Whyte and family friends Kay and Dale Barber for their support in recent years. After graduating from Victoria High School, she worked for BC Electric. She was an amateur athlete – basketball (“I can shoot better than you!”), softball (“I was pretty good, you know!”) and tennis (“I love tennis!”) whose husband was inducted into the Victoria and BC Sports Halls of Fame. But when he left her all too soon, she continued to raise 5 kids in the small house on Glasgow Avenue where she lived for 47 years, returning to the workforce after 23 years, retiring in 1985 from the Greater Victoria School Board. As the nest emptied, she moved to her condo at The Poplar and remained there until this past January when she moved to The Kensington. Her new flat-screen TV enabled her to follow her beloved Blue Jays, the Canucks, golf and tennis. All this in and around her bridge games as she remained sharp to the end, keeping in touch with her coffee buddies and dear friends almost as much as her family. Never a day passed when she didn’t laugh and make everyone she encountered do likewise. A breast-cancer survivor for over 12 years, please feel free to offer donations in Peggy’s name to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and/or the BC Heart & Stroke Foundation. Service 2:00 pm, Monday, October 5, 2009 at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC.
34 Responses
Dear Cathy and McKeachie family:
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mother.
I lost my Mother in April and know the pain and loss you are going through.
Living in the neighbourhood and being great friends with you Cathy, I have fond memories being at your house on Glasgow. I remember your Mom always smiling and having a great sense of humour! She was a kind and loving person that will be greatly missed.
Take care of each other. Love Mindy (and McCorkall Family.)
My heart goes out to the family on the loss of your mum Peggy, a bright light and friend to so many. I had the pleasure of working with Peggy who created a caring, fun and inclusive community in our office. She demanded I take breaks…”will you make eye contact with me” and I would join her in ‘Peggy’s Palace’ where we had tea, ate her biscuits and did the crosswords together. Peggy took a lot of people in under her vast wings. She invited me annually to join her and her family every boxing day where we jammed ourselves into her living room on Glasgow, enjoyed a re-run of Christmas dinner, and had lots of laughs. Her sons and daughters, as warm as caring as Peggy was, always welcomed Peggy’s friends to their family gatherings. I lost touch with Peggy when I left the country for a few years. I think of her often with fond memories. Take good care of each other. My thoughts are with all of you.
I was so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. I have wonderful memories of good times and lots of laughs at the School Board and in visits and many phone conversations in the years since. Peggy was a very special lady and I will treasure her friendship always.
My sincere condolences to her family.
Susan Brooks
To all the McKeachie Family
My heartfelt sympathy’s to you all in the loss of your mom. I do remember what a great mom she was to you all. May you all find peace and may god be with you all in your time of need
Charlene Fowler(Lovelace)
To my friend John, and family…
I offer my condolences on the passing of Peggy. Although we never met, I have great memories of John as a former Basketball teammate, and mutual long time sports-guy from Victoria.
We lost our own Mom within the last few weeks, so I understand the emotion around such an event, and share it deeply.
With all my best wishes to the family / Ron B.
With deepest sympathy to all the family. We have great memories of Peggy and the McKeachie family. Sorry we are unable to attend the funeral.
My heart is heavy since hearing of your loss. Peggy was a real gem (and she made great cheese nips!!!).
She was a spirited warm woman with great character and a great smile. May her strength be a guide for you during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Those of us who had the opportunity to have known her, feel blessed. Her lovely smile and quick wit will be truly missed. Even though I haven’t seen her that often through the years, thinking of her will always bring fond memories for me of the fun times growing up on Glasgow Ave.
Love Lynda
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Mother. As families deep rooted together in the sports community, we are profoundly sadden to learn of this news.
Simply, she was a beautiful women and I adored her for her great strength, optimism and kind, wise words and advise she offered to me. I treasure the fun times we spent celebrating our birthdays together. She spoke of her family often and never ever failed to inquire about mine.
I wish your family heartfelt condolences. Heather Holmes
Saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Love seeing the picture of her above – that’s how I always remember her – that great smile – with her warm voice always ready to laugh. I have very fond memories of being at the house on Glasgow and the charm that Peggy brought to every gathering. Our thoughts are with you all
Rob, Karen and Rox