Margaret G. "Peggy" Daniels

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Margaret "Peggy" (McDaniels) Daniels, who died peacefully December 5, 2025.

Peggy was born on August 13, 1930, and throughout her long life she radiated warmth, joy, and kindness. Peggy and her beloved husband of 73 years, Bill, shared a lifelong partnership marked by deep devotion, humor, and a quiet, enduring tenderness. Peggy was born the only child of divorced parents during the Great Depression. As a young child, she spent about a year living at a convent of Catholic nuns, an experience she later described fondly as a formative time in her life. She learned early to amuse herself and explore her creativity, developing a lifelong passion for knitting, embroidery, crocheting, smocking, braiding, quilting, and weaving. She was always proud of the custom smocked children's clothing that she sold for a number of years at The Women's Exchange in Boston. While she rarely spoke highly of her own work, she glowed with pride to see one of her weavings hung prominently in the Applewood lobby.

Peggy met Bill when she was a senior in high school, and they married four years later. Together they raised four children, Ellen G. Quintin (married to David) of Northborough, MA, Susan G. Daniels of Pelham, MA, Thomas L. Daniels (married to Holly) of Gales Ferry, CT, and Peter B. Daniels. Their love was also shared with 5 precious grandchildren, Chelsea G. Pribonic (married to Chris), Hannah T. Crowl, Maxxwell T. Crowl, William "Will" B. Daniels (married to Natalie), and Sarah Daniels. Family was always the cornerstone in Peggy's life, and nothing made her happier than having the whole family gathered together for birthdays and holidays. Bill and Peggy were preceded in death by their son, Peter B. Daniels, and by his daughter, Sarah Daniels.

Beyond her family, Peggy dedicated herself to meaningful volunteer work, teaching literacy, supporting homeless populations, working with Mother Teresa's establishments, and contributing to hospice care. She was at her best when creating with other people, and some of her favorite times at Applewood were when she helped the community sew masks during the COVID pandemic. Before Applewood, Peggy lived for 20 years in Northfield MA where she sold her weavings in her shop: "EWENME." People all over Western Mass. recognize Peggy by her car's license plate of the same name.

Peggy delighted in conversation, shared laughter, and the small joys of daily life. She noticed the good in people and was quick to comment on it. If you wore a new outfit, she would be the first to tell you how great it made you look. Her presence at Applewood in Amherst for the past five years has been a gift, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Even in the two months since Bill's passing, Peggy carried his spirit with her, greeting each day with grace and a ready smile that lifted everyone around her. Her joy and positivity never wavered, a testament to the strength of the bond they shared. Now, at last, Peggy is reunited with her life partner, together once more.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 15 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home with a Funeral Mass at 11 am at St. Patrick's Church. Burial will follow in Evergreen cemetery, where Peggy will be laid to rest beside Bill.