MARGARET (PEGGY) BAXTER (STAVELEY)

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MARGARET (PEGGY) BAXTER (nee STAVELEY) It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret (Peggy) Baxter (nee Staveley), announce her peaceful passing on September 20, 2010. Peggy passed peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospice with her family at her side. Peggy was born in Winnipeg, MB to parents, Miriam and George Staveley on April 21, 1923. During high school in Winnipeg she met a tall, dark, handsome man named Doug Baxter whom she married in 1942. Together Peg and Doug enjoyed 61 years of marriage and raised two children, Scotty and Bonnie, before Doug's passing in November 2003. Mom was truly a special person and excelled at all she did. Never afraid to try something new, lend a hand to the needy, or becoming actively involved in the church, sports or organizations. In Winnipeg, Mom excelled as a speed skater, capturing numerous medals and trophies for the Silver Skates Speed skating team. During the war she moved to Toronto where she could be closer to her husband when his ship came to port. There she worked as a secretary for Dehaviland Aircraft. Also freelanced as a photographer. After the war, Peg and Doug were moved back to Winnipeg where Bonnie was born, then to Jasper, AB where Scotty came along. After Jasper, they were relocated by the C.N.R. to Rainy River, ON where in 1951 Peg taught tap dancing to all the young ladies in Rainy River. In 1952, Peg and Doug were again on the move to Atikokan, ON where they resided for 20 years. In Atikokan Mom taught tap dancing and held many dance recitals which were enjoyed by all. Peg worked at Steep Rock Iron where Mom was an Executive Secretary. Mom was a charter member of #281 Kanella Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and Worthy Matron for two years and was also very active in curling in Atikokan and enjoyed many bonspiels. In 1953 Dad built a cabin on Eva Lake. Mom enjoyed many nights around the fire with her family and friends. In 1970 Mom and Dad moved to Thunder Bay, ON where Mom worked as an Executive Secretary for the Ministry of the Environment. In Thunder Bay Mom was President of the Lakehead Ladies Curling Club and a member of the Fort William Country Club where she enjoyed many rounds of golf. In 1977 she retired and moved to Matlock, MB. Mom started the Teulon Ladies Golf Club where she became a charter member. In 2002 they moved to Thunder Bay. She became Secretary of the C.N.R. Pensioners and enjoyed bowling with the Green Acres Bowling League. Peggy always took a very active role in the A.C.W. and the Alter guild of the Anglican Church, most recent President of Group 8 St. Paul's Anglican Church. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Miriam and George Staveley; brother Les; niece Diane Butcher; sister Vera Bartholomew; sister-in-law Peg; and husband Doug. Mom will be eternally remembered and loved by her two children, Scotty and Bonnie McKiel (Paul Morrison); her four grandchildren, Cory, Mike, Katy and Carson; her nieces, Norrene (Evans) and Joyce Smith ( Allan) and many great-nieces and nephews. Her family extends sincere thanks to all who visited, cared and prayed for Mom during her illness. Special thanks go to the home care workers and hospice staff at 4N St. Joseph's Hospice. You are all truly angels of mercy. Sincere thanks to Reverend D. Kraft for her compassion and love during Mom's illness. Thank you also to Mom's many physicians - Dr. Hartford, Dr. Davis, Dr. MiGay, Dr. Dewick and to all you caring friends and family who stood beside us through her illness. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Anglican Church (Ridgeway Street) on Tuesday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m., reception to follow. Interment of ashes will be at the family plot St. John's Cathedral Cemetery in Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Peg's memory to the Humane Society or St. Joseph's Hospice, 4 North, Thunder Bay, ON. On line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2010