R. Margaret "Peggy" Bonazoli

R. Margaret "Peggy" Bonazoli, 91, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a long illness. A woman of immense warmth, wit, and wisdom, Peggy lived a life brimming with love, laughter, and service.
Peggy was born on September 27, 1933, in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, the third of nine children of the late John and Catherine Coffey. At just 15 years old, she left the rolling hills of Woodstock to live in Massachusetts, with her beloved Aunt Julia and Uncle Frank Montague to help care for her Grandmother, Bumma.
After graduating from Wellesley High School in 1951, Peggy's sharp mind and work ethic shone as she began her career at the Newton Savings Bank. It was there that fate intervened-an earnest young man named Robert Bonazoli fell head over heels for the vibrant, brown-haired beauty. The couple married on August 6, 1955, embarking on a lifelong partnership built on love, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion.
After a brief stint in Wisconsin, Peggy and Bob returned to Massachusetts, eventually settling in Hamilton, where they raised six children in a home full of love, laughter, and the occasional sibling squabble. Peggy was the heart of her family, effortlessly blending the roles of mother, confidante, and cheerleader. Her warmth extended to her large extended family, as she kept close ties with her siblings, nieces, and nephews, and she never missed her annual pilgrimages back to Woodstock, where her roots remained firmly planted.
Peggy's competitive spirit was legendary-she wasn't just good at games, she excelled. Whether dominating on the tennis court, or golf course, and becoming a Life Master of Bridge before Bob could claim the title, or ruthlessly defeating her children, and grandchildren, as well as baptizing any future in-law at cards, ping-pong, and many others, Peggy played to win, but always with a twinkle in her eye.
A voracious reader, Peggy found joy and solace in the Hamilton Public Library, regularly carting home stacks of books and reading them at an impressive pace. She delighted in a well-told story and had a talent for weaving tales of her own, whether sharing family memories or recounting her many adventures.
Her compassion for others defined her life. Though she never pursued a career in nursing, Peggy's natural caregiving instincts led her to volunteer at Beverly Hospital for over 25 years, touching countless lives with her kindness and steady presence. She also devoted herself to helping those struggling with sobriety and addiction, offering hope and guidance to anyone in need.
Peggy leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and resilience. She is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Robert "Bob" Bonazoli, 93, her six children: Sheila Mulroy (Richard) of Reading, MA; Barbara Gaunce (Tony) of Raleigh, NC; Paula Perry (Steven) of Reading, MA; Julia Caminiti (Michael) of Williston, VT; John Bonazoli (Anne) of Georgetown, MA; and James Bonazoli (Kristin) of Reading, MA.
She was the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Kathleen Mulroy of Arlington, MA; Maura Mulroy of Hamburg, Germany; Sarah Mulroy of Bristol, UK; Michael Gaunce and Calvin Gaunce, both of Raleigh, NC; Rachel Gaunce of Wilmington, NC; Julia Perry of Philadelphia, PA; Colleen Perry of Portland, ME; Nathan Perry of Somerville, MA; Kelsey Caminiti of Brooklyn, NY; Mari Caminiti of Denver, CO; Jenna Caminiti of Boston, MA; and Nicholas and Anna Bonazoli of Reading, MA.
Peggy is also survived by her siblings: Kathleen Hodgdon of Hingham, MA; Julia Parks of Victoria, Canada; Mary Helm of Windsor, Canada; Michael Coffey of Calgary, Canada; and Charlie Coffey of Toronto, Canada. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Catherine Coffey; her brother, Frank Coffey; and her sisters, Sheila Taylor and Patsy Watt.
She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, and the countless lives she touched with her generosity and compassion.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that Peggy's light continues to shine through the love she shared and the lives she enriched.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Paul's Church, 50 Union St., South Hamilton, on Friday, January 3rd at 10am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A private burial will follow in Newton Cemetery, Newton, MA. The family will host a public Celebration of Life in May, where Peggy's remarkable life and legacy will be honored. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's memory to the Hamilton Public Library, 14 Union St. South Hamilton, MA 01982 or CareOne at Essex Park, 265 Essex St. Beverly, MA 01915. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com