Peggy was a native Victorian, born November 23, 1923 to Fred and Gertrude Butterfield (nee Burgess). Mum grew up in Fairfield attending Sir James Douglas school and then Victoria High School. On graduation in 1942 she went to work in the purchasing office of Yarrows Shipyards. In 1948 she married George F. O. Dyson and together they had four boys followed by twin girls who all grew up on Jasmine Avenue, in the Marigold district of Saanich. As the wife of a naval shipwright who was on sea duty a good deal of his twenty years of service the demands of raising a large family often fell to Mum alone. She became an accomplished multi-tasker, program director, counselor, and referee. Singing was her passion, sewing her profession. She took training in commercial tailoring at Victoria College and professional vocal training. Peggy worked for 20 years in the tailor shop in Woodward’s Mayfair. She owned and managed the Theatrical Costume Studio for many years. She sang both as a soloist and in choirs on live radio, at weddings, and at numerous other events, large and small. She was a long time member of Victoria Operatic Society where she made appearances including “Buttercup” and “Ado Annie”. Peggy also created hundreds of costumes for her studio, her clients, her children and grandchildren, and for numerous theatrical productions both amateur and professional. She sang lead for many years with The City of Gardens chapter of Sweet Adelines before becoming a founding member of the Arbutus chapter when the family moved to East Sooke. Predeceased by George, she is survived by her six children; Norm (Robin), Dennis (Sue), Ross, Gordon (Victoria), Karen, and Shirley, fourteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She passed away peacefully on April 9, 2009. We wish to thank the kind, considerate and attentive employees and administration of The Priory Heritage Woods and to her friend Neal for the outstanding attention and care over the last 18 months.
A service of remembrance will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, it is Peggy’s wish that donations be made to Canadian Cancer Research.
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Catherine & Hugh Kearney
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Carmen Wear I am saddened by the loss of your dear Mum and my friend Peggy. She played many roles in the lives of all who knew her.
To me, she was a great teacher and an understanding friend. My fondest memory goes back to the mid sixties when we would pack up the little station wagon with sewing machines and miles and miles of fabric, head out to “the trailer park” to try and beat the deadline for costumes. I learned many skills that, to this day, I use. Our best work came under pressure! The sewing skills I mastered but the vocal skills that I admired so much are for me, a dream. She was a very talented woman who multitasked better than anyone I have known.
Most of all, she taught me the value of family and about each of us living as an individual. That is surely evident in all of your lives as adults. I commend her for exceptional parenting and for being a valued member of the community in which she lived. She gave so freely of herself for the benefit of others.
I will always remeber her beautiful smile with love, especially when I hear Ave Maria.Carmen
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Annie Bartlett Shirley & Family.
I sang with Peggy in Arbutus Chorus, and worked with Shirley at the Gorge. Peggy was a warm and caring person. My condolences on your loss.
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Al & Alice Funk, Jack, Jill & Lindsay Our sympathies go out to all of you, Norm, Dennis, Ross, Gordon, Karen and Shirley..
You were such a big part of our lives for a just a few short years, but what a lot of memories we have from those years.
Your mom was a remarkable lady, talented, outgoing and generous. We have been saying a lot of “I remember the time when’s” in the last few days.
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Adele Morley Shirley & Family
I remember the VOS days sewing with your Mom as fun times. And your “We Caring” me in 1999.
Sincerely
Adele Morley
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Marcy Bunyan Norm,
My condolences to you and your family in the recent loss of your mother. I’ve heard it said that the Easter Season is the most blessed time of year to “pass over”. I’m sure your mother is, and will always be, watching over her children.
Sincerely,
Marcy
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Tricia and Murray Field Dear Gordon,
Our thoughts go out to you. I know your mother was very close to your heart, and will stay there forever,
What a beautiful lady, what a great life,
all the best to you and Victoria and your family,
do take care and we will see you soon,
Love Tricia and family
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Jo-Anne Cannon (Budris) Sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts are with you
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Victoria Operatic Society Wishing you comfort and solace during this difficult times.
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Evan Mitchell My deepest sympathy on the death of your mother.
In my time with Woodwards I had the pleasure of being her immediated supervisor in the mens wear and again as her store manager.
She was always a dedicated and concerned employee who brought her skills and her unique personality to the betterement of thoes around her. I sincerely valued her opinion and the trust she showed in me.
May God bless you now and the days ahead in your time of sorrow.
Evan Mitchell Store manager Retired.
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Al and Beverley Cave It is with sorrow that we read of your Mother’s passing.
Sadly we lost touch over the year’s but we have fond memories.
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Marc & Brigitte Lundrigan Sending you and your entire family our condolences as we think of you. There is a little part of her legacy in California in the beautiful painting of the farmhouse that we have from her that hangs proudly in our home, and that we continue to treasure and admire. Best wishes, Marc, Brigitte & Annika
Our thoughts have been with you this week. We are blessed to have spend some time with you Mother. She was always had great spirit and sense of adventure. We remember fondly her sense of humour, her first sushi experience and her new passion late in life for painting. Our Peggy Dyson of Buchart Gardens has always had a special place in our home and now we value it that much more. We hope the entire family finds comfort in all the wonderful memories of such a great lady.
Love & Hugs Catherine & Hugh