Marguerite L. Steele

Marguerite (Peggy) Gates Steele died at Claremont East Senior Living in Bremerton, WA on February 17 2015. She passed from pneumonia. Peggy was born August 31, 1919 in Glasco Kansas to Dea and Eda Gates. Peggy was the oldest of three siblings. Mrs. Harry E. Nelson (Anita) from Burlington WA and Milford Gates from Kansas City, Kansas. Peggy married James Richard Steele (Dick) on October 4, 1941 in Tacoma WA. The two of them traveled to Whidbey Island in 1951. They knew then this would be their permanent home. Dick and Peggy built their first home on Boon road in 1964. They both lived there raising their family and farming for 37 years. Peggy had three careers in her life time, her parents sent her to a strict catholic nursing school. Peggy graduated as Registered Nurse R.N. in 1940. She then decided later on that she wanted to become a Licensed Beautician so that if for some reason she could not get a Nursing job she would go to work cutting hair. Then in 1976 Dick and Peggy decided to become Licensed Realtors so Dick got his Brokers License and Peggy received a Reality License. Peggy enjoyed that so much she was very successful at that career more so than Dick. Peggy had a quiet and professional manner other people really enjoyed. Peggy worked for Harrington Realty for quite a few years putting their youngest daughter Shelli through college. Peggy loved to Bake and cook. She also loved working outside gardening planting roses and trees around their home. She always made time for her children and grandchildren. She was an amazing mother, grandparent and wife. We often heard our Dad say, "You all are so lucky to have such a great Mother". Peggy was strong, and unwavering. If someone starts something they have to follow through to the end, no quitters allowed. Peggy also loved Arts and Crafts, ceramics and early on loved to sew. Through the years with Dick she handled all the books. She was CPA of the family for sure. After spending many years at the farm on Boon road, Peggy insisted on downsizing to a smaller home. Spring of 2001 VanderVoet homes built Peggy and Dick a 1600 square foot rambler that she so loved. Peggy nursed Dick who had an extended illness from May 2005 – November 5, 2007. She remained to be the best Nurse and caregiver ever. Peggy of course had hired help and help from family but she gave him the best gift, their home and her unwavering unselfish self. After Dick passed she remained in her home until August of 2010. She was almost 91years old. Due to health, it was necessary for her to have increased level of care. Peggy's oldest daughter Linda who is also a RN requested she be placed closer to their residence in Bremerton. There were also grandchildren in the area that would come and visit so she could see her great grandchildren as well. Peggy's granddaughter Tracy Schuyten Eilmes came weekly to give Grandma Peggy a manicure and paint her nails red. Peggy always had red lipstick and red nails. Peggy was in Bremerton for 4 and half years. She passed peacefully on 2-17-15. Peggy is survived by her children Linda & Ron Godwin, Shelli & Don Krieg, and Jim Steele; her grandchildren Tracy Eilmes, Wendy Brynstenson, Scott Schuyten, Ryan Steele, and Katie Krieg; her great-grandchildren Rissa Eilmes, Jack Eilmes, Chloe Brynstenson, Ruby Brynstenson, Cooper Schuyten, Wynona Schuyten, Bennitt Steele, and Lanie Steele; her sister-in-law Coral Gates; and her cousin Leta Smith. She was preceded in death by James "Dick" Richard Steele (spouse); her parents Mr. & Mrs. Dea S. Gates of Glasco, Kansas; Anita Nelson of Burlington, WA. and Melford Gates of Kansas. Services will be held for Peggy at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor, WA, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28th, 2015 with life celebrant Linda Haddon officiating. Donations may be made to the Elks Children's Fund.