PEGGIE CROOKES

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PEGGIE CROOKES March 5, 1918 - October 9, 2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear mother, grandmother and auntie Peggie on Sunday, October 9 at the age of 93. Predeceased by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Alfred (October 17, 2005), son Stewart (February 14, 2007), sister Marjorie Short and brother Frank Keyworth. She is survived by her daughter Susan, son Douglas (Marie), grandchildren, Eric and Sue, daughter-in-law Donna and grandchildren, Sheena, Stew Jr. and Jennifer, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mom was the youngest of three born in Winnipeg to William and Elsie Keyworth. She met dad on her first trip to the roller rink with her big brother. She'd never been on roller skates before and after one of her many falls, when a handsome young fellow came along to help her up, her life was changed forever. Whenever anyone asked dad how he and mom met, he never tired of telling people that he picked her up at the roller rink. They married December 23, 1940, but were separated for the first of many times when dad went overseas during the war. After the war, they moved to Shilo and mom had some of her best memories from that posting. A few years later it was on to Ottawa, then back to Winnipeg for a short while before dad was posted to Soest, Germany in 1957. He went first and mom was then on her own again to deal with packing, moving and looking after three kids. Never once did she complain, she always made moving an adventure and we chipped in to do our part. While in Germany, he and mom decided to make the most of every opportunity to travel, so they bought a small trailer and off we went. Our first big trip was over to England to meet the Yorkshire relatives, some of whom dad met during the war, and we have been very close to them and their growing families ever since. Mom took to the army life of moving around a lot and always said she must be part gypsy as she just loved to see new places and meet new people. Although she was a stay at home mom, she thoroughly enjoyed her time out with her various different organizations. Along with other military wives, she volunteered with the Salvation Army, helping out anywhere she was needed. She was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi and also belonged to the Rebekah's Queen Esther Lodge, having a great time and lots of laughs with both groups. After dad retired, they still kept travelling, mainly back to England, as mom never tired of it. They didn't slow down until the grandchildren started coming along, then her focus was on spoiling them every chance she got. Growing up, our friends always loved spending time at our house because mom welcomed everyone, and the same applied to the friends of her grandchildren. She was mom, grandma and Auntie Peg to a lot of people we weren't even related to. She will be greatly missed by everybody who knew her and also the pets in the family that she spoiled as much as she could get away with. With no exception, they all loved grandma. Mom and dad had two dogs of their own, Sammie and after him; they got Ben several years later. She was heartbroken when they were both gone, but settled for visits from the granddogs . Laughter was a daily staple in our family, our parents never took anything too seriously and I'm sure that's what kept them together for almost 65 years. She was a very special lady and her passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts but our memories will keep us going. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2011