Winifred Outhwaite

OUTHWAITE, Winifred (Peggy) Alice (nee Baker)
December 11, 1921 - August 18, 2011
Peggy Outhwaite of Calgary passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the age of 89 years. Peggy was born December 11, 1921 in Paddington a district of London, England, where she lived, went to school and worked until 1945. At the tender age of twenty, Peggy married her soul-mate Bill Outhwaite on August 17, 1941. As was typical of a "War Bride" - Peggy travelled to Canada via sea and rail near the end WWII in 1945. After more than two months she arrived in the small hamlet of Oxbow, SK, to begin her married life in Canada. Of course there was "culture" shock coming from the metropolis of London to Oxbow but Peggy adjusted, fast becoming part of the community. In 1947 Bill and Peggy moved to Estevan where they jointly owned and operated the town bowling alley and caf. Humble beginnings for a hard working pair of young newlyweds, but a recipe that survived and thrived for sixty-nine years of marriage. Peggy soon turned her attention and skills to raising the family as well as standing at Bill's side in his many business ventures. A very kind and gentle woman, Peggy had an English charm about her that radiated warmth. Surprisingly she was also a very strong lady - strong in her family values, her convictions and her beliefs. She taught her family well - instilling those values that she held so high. Peggy and Bill enjoyed life, travelling the world after retirement in 1981. They had great winters in Thousand Palms, CA, returning home to Calgary when not travelling. In her later years Peggy began a struggle against Alzheimer's - a battle that eventually left her mostly incapacitated. To the end she fought a gallant fight - her true strength was witnessed, she continued to have a smile and was still able to offer her signature "God Bless" from time to time. Peggy was predeceased by her parents, George and Winifred Baker; sisters, Jean and Doreen; brothers, Stan and Leonard; and her husband Bill. Peggy is survived by her children Sharron (Outhwaite) and Wilf Cartier - Ocean Falls, BC, Linda (Outhwaite) and Jeff Francottie - Calgary, AB, Bob and Debbie - Calgary, AB, Bill and Anne - White Rock, BC, Susan (Outhwaite) and Ron Dahl - Calgary, AB; sister Ann (Baker) and Ralph Lundberg - Calgary, AB and brother Bill and Doreen Baker - England; grandchildren, Rodd and Elizabeth Cruikshank, Craig and Thao Cruikshank, Brad and Jamie Cruikshank, Amy (Outhwaite) and Troy Taddeo, Rebecca Miller, Jessica Outhwaite, Melissa (Outhwaite) and Trevor Krauss, Michelle Dahl, Sarah Miller, Brody Outhwaite, Kristy Dahl and Brett Dahl plus four great-grandchildren, Coeden, Aiker, Jacqueline, and Grace; several nieces and nephews in Canada, USA and Europe. Details of a Memorial Service to honor Peggy's life will follow.
God Grant Me the Serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
Change the things that I can
And the Wisdom to know the Difference.
You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . In honor of Peggy, those who wish can make a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, please follow the link for details ( www.alzheimer.ca ). The family wish to give a big thank you to the staff at Bow Crest Nursing Home who were phenomenal in their care for Peggy over the last five years. In living memory of Peggy Outhwaite, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane.