Margaret Ann Phaneuf

STERLING - Margaret A. "Peggy" Phaneuf, a long-time Teacher's Aide at the Chocksett School in Sterling, passed away at age 88 on Thursday, August 14th. She was at home, surrounded by a family who adored her.

Peggy was born on November 17, 1936, in The Bronx, New York to Edward J. Dowling and Cora M. Dowling (Pepin). While her Mother Cabrini High School yearbook described Peggy as "seldom heard above a whisper," all who knew her would tell you that she grew into a woman who would happily converse with anyone about anything, often making her the most interesting person in the room.

The very qualities that made Peggy an excellent teacher - her love of children and sharing knowledge - made her an even better mother. Her four children had their share of Summer beach and amusement park vacations, but there were more trips to museums, historical sites, zoos and nature preserves. She was devoted to her family and led by example.

Peggy was active in her Sterling community as a Cub Scout Den Mother, CCD Teacher, as well as chaperone on countless school field trips and a volunteer at Abby's House in Worcester.

She had a passion for the art of cooking, and her search for a great recipe never ended. She had a knack for finding the best ones, which she kept in folders, with her reviews emblazoned across the top in her beautiful handwriting.

Peggy loved a good crossword puzzle and was also an avid reader of non-fiction, always reading the last page first. As she would say, "there are far too many books to waste your time on a poorly written ending."

Peggy loved old movies and could readily tell you the cast and plot of any film pre-1960. Her particular favorite was 1955's Marty with Ernest Borgnine as it was a tribute to her beloved Bronx, NY and included her home Parish of St. John's, Kingsbridge.

Her Irish roots gave her humor and an appreciation for the importance of laughter. She was a great storyteller. You were fortunate if you ever found yourself in the presence of Peggy and her dear brother Eddie as they told stories of the good old days in The Bronx, always quibbling good naturedly about the facts. She thought hyperbole always made a story better. Her friends and family will miss how her blue eyes sparkled as she made you laugh.

Peggy leaves her loving husband of 61 years, Robert E. Phaneuf. They met while working at State Mutual in Worcester, MA and built a wonderful life together. She also leaves her four children - her son Daniel Phaneuf and his wife Teresa Phaneuf (Russo); daughters Jeanne and Marianne Phaneuf; and her son Robert M. Phaneuf. Peggy has three grandchildren - Luke; Trevor and Sofia Phaneuf. She leaves many nieces and nephews, including Michael Dowling and Monique Dowling. She is pre-deceased by her brother Edward J. Dowling Jr. and her sister-in-law Nicole Dowling (Beauchamp).

The family would like to thank Dr. Mary Lindholm of UMASS Memorial Hospital for her loving care for many years. Thanks are also extended to Lindsay, Gena and Heather of Beacon Hospice for their kindness and compassion in the most difficult of times.

A funeral mass in Peggy's honor will be held on Monday, August 25th at 11:00 AM at St. Richard's of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street in Sterling. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Peggy's name may be made to St. Richard's of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling, MA 01564.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road in Sterling.