Ware – Margaret E. “Peggy” Willard, 75, died early Tuesday morning, February 3, 2026, after a long battle with cancer.
She leaves her loving husband of 30 years, Gary P. Willard, who was her caregiver for the last 12 years during her illness; She also leaves; her children, Vickie J. Vennert of Warren, and Daniel D. Vennert of Monson, as well as her stepdaughter, Jennifer Blood and her husband Christopher of North Brookfield; four grandchildren, Ryan, Jeremy, Taylor and Braden, two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Joey and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her sister, Terry Flower and her spouse, Dana Boyer of Kittery, Maine, her brother, Bradley A. Armitage of Ware, and her very special dog, Sandy. She was predeceased by her brother, Bruce Armitage in 1986. Born in Ware, Peggy was the daughter of late Clifford and Alberta (Croteau) Armitage.
She carried with her a strong work ethic and quiet determination throughout her life. Peggy worked for many years as a machine operator at the former Wm. E. Wright Co., in West Warren. Later, she worked in Housekeeping at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center and worked as a Home Health Aide at Home Care Staff of West Springfield, where her kindness and compassion were felt by all she cared for.
Peggy's love for her family was unconditional and constant - She cherished the time she spent with her children, Vickie and Dan, they made it a tradition to spend every Saturday together, whether heading out on small adventures or spending quiet time together at home. She also looked forward to the vacations she took with her children and grandson, Ryan, every year.
Peggy loved to garden and care for her flowers and plants in and around her home. She had a green thumb, and her flower beds were proof of that as they were absolutely beautiful. In her younger years, while living in Maine, Peggy crafted beautiful furniture that she sold to local stores.
Her family would like to thank Dr. Chandravathi Loke and the dedicated nurses and staff at the D’Amour Cancer Center at Baystate Health for their care and compassion.
A Funeral Service for Peggy will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11AM in the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware. The family will be having a gathering after the service at Teresas in Ware for anyone that would like to join them. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care online at https://www.baystatehealth.org/foundation
An online tribute page is available at charbonneaufh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
30 Pleasant Street, Ware, MA 01082

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more