Peggy Winnifred Schmechel

Groton - Peggy Winnifred Schmechel (Cammett), longtime resident of Center Groton, died on April 4, 2009, at home after a lengthy illness. She was 80 years old.

Born in Exeter, N.H., she was the daughter of Winnifred and Otis Cammett. A graduate of Robinson Seminary, she married William Richard Schmechel, Jr. also of Exeter, on May 8, 1948. They were married 23 years before his death in 1971, and had four children, Sandra, Sharon, Craig and Cynthia.

Peggy was an adventurous, independent spirit and a world traveler. In her travels she visited over 20 countries, and five continents. One of her most memorable trips focused around her lifelong love of giraffes and included a two week long safari.

Peggy was a voracious reader and lifelong learner, returning to college in her 40s to receive a degree in Sociology. With a large vocabulary and love of words, she was a formidable scrabble opponent and always the first to finish a challenging crossword. She also loved gardening and antiques, and took great pride in her home.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Fischer and her husband, Lewis; son, Craig Schmechel and his wife, Patricia and her daughter, Cynthia Jennings. She also leaves eight grandchildren, George, Shayna, Allison, Kurt, Jonathan, Liam, Jackson and Daphne; six great-grandchildren, Gavin, Connor, Dylan, Isabella, Ava and Kyle; and a brother, Kenneth Cammett.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Sandra.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 7, at Brewitt Funeral Home in Exeter, N.H.

Peggy was very generous and favored many causes including the MS Society and Heifer International, donations may be made to either in her name.