Margaret "Peggy" Testarmata

1928 - 2022

October 2, 1928 – February 28, 2022

WEST BOYLSTON

Margaret Mary (Driscoll) Testarmata, 93, of West Boylston passed peacefully into the arms of angels, while in her home surrounded by her children on February 28, 2022.

Margaret, known as Peggy, was born in Fitchburg, MA, as the 11th child and youngest daughter of 13 children born to the late Cornelius and Julia (Shea) Driscoll both of Cahirciveen, County Kerry, Ireland. Peggy graduated from Saint Bernard's High School in 1946, then worked as a secretary at Hope Rubber Company and the City of Fitchburg. She met her future husband, Ralph Testarmata, as they caught each other's eyes on the bus to Whalom Park where they had their first dance. They married on June 28, 1952, with Peggy promising to learn to cook Italian food and not serve Ralph corned beef and cabbage. They had six children, 3 boys and 3 girls, and moved their growing family to West Boylston in 1959.

Peggy was a loving, stay-at-home mother for her 6 children. She became a master seamstress and made many of their clothes. Cooking and baking from scratch were also her joy, with her applesauce cake being the big hit at family gatherings. Peggy was a tutor and education coach for her children and also a devoted spectator of her progeny's sporting events, dance recitals, and other achievements. In retirement, she and Ralph especially enjoyed time with their granddaughters. Ralph and Peggy were morning regulars at the Greendale YMCA and traveled in the US visiting their adult children and other relatives. Peggy and Ralph were joined by some of their sisters on trips to Italy, France, and Canada with the Retired Men's Club of Greendale.

Peggy embodied peacemaking, generosity, and patience. At St. Christopher's Parish, she taught catechism for 19 years including the First Communion class. Also a member of the Legion of Mary, she visited nursing homes weekly to pray the Rosary with the elderly. Peggy was an adorer and divisional leader for St. George Perpetual Eucharistic Chapel. After over 50 years in St. Christopher's Parish, she joined Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish about 6 years ago when she changed her residence to Oakdale. She continued to generously support both parishes. Confined to her home in her last years, she was appreciative of Catholic TV and her friends in Christ who brought her prayers and Communion.

After 58 years of marriage, Ralph predeceased Peggy in 2011. She leaves behind their six children: Margaret Testarmata of Seward, Alaska, Dr. Ann Marie Testarmata of Acton MA, John Testarmata (Patricia) and Dr. Mary Ann Testarmata, both of Boulder, Colorado, Kevin Testarmata of West Boylston, MA and Brian Testarmata (Denise) of Hyannis, MA.; also, her granddaughters, Viktoria and Irina Testarmata and Denali Anowlic and step-grandchildren Olivia and Andre Guillmette. Peggy was predeceased by all her siblings: Nora Walsh, Catherine Turcotte, Mary Mullahy, Pauline Thomas, Theresa, Edward, Rita and John Driscoll, Eileen Pernokas, Madelyn, Bernard, and Neil Driscoll. She is survived by sisters-in-law, Barbara Driscoll of Lynn, MA, and Filomena Orsalock of Fitchburg, MA, and by many caring nieces and nephews.

Relatives, friends, and former students are invited to attend the Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, March 5th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. Burial will follow in the adjacent Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Calling hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 4th and 9-10:15 am Saturday, March 5th at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd, Sterling. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret Testarmata's name to Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471-9196. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com



View the online memorial for Margaret 'Peggy' Testarmata