GUALTIERI, Margaret (Peggy) Nixon August 26, 1924 - October 3, 2008 Our treasured and luminous wife and mother departed October 3rd, in the embrace of her family. Peggy gave abundantly and selflessly during her arduous struggle with cancer, just as she did during her rich and bountiful life. Rising above her own suffering, she pursued days of laughter, tender love and optimism. Those who knew Peggy were universally impressed by her vivacity, radiance, kindness and grace. Her energy, beauty, sense of style, and abilities are legendary. Peggy was the heart of our family. Peggy leaves her beloved lifemate of 55 years, Nino; her cherished, loyal and devoted children Julia (Maher), Joanna (Serge) and Sarah (Maria Elena); and her "lambies" - grandsons, Nicola, Zacharie and Sebastien. The pain of her precious son Mark's death in July 2007 never left her. Peggy was born in New Liskeard, Ontario on August 26, 1924 to William Glennie Nixon and his wife Ethel Pigott. She attended Queen's University and is remembered for her theatric roles. She graduated with her RN from Kingston General Hospital in 1947 and nursed for five years in Deep River where the student minister quickly became her beau and husband. Peggy was a compassionate nurse and was celebrated for her artwork that decorated Atomic Energy's annual balls and brought distinction to the sets of the community stage plays. She is deeply mourned by her sisters Nonie, Kathleen and Beth, her brothers-in-law Bob Ketchum, Bill White and Roberto Gualtieri; her sisters-in-law Mary Nixon, Margot Gualtieri and Teresa Doran; numerous nieces and nephews; and her close friend Janet Knight. Her brother John predeceased her in August 2006. Peggy excelled in her various roles: parish minister's wife, devoted mother, tireless homemaker, extraordinary and beautiful host famous for her spaghetti dinner parties and scrumptuous cinnamon rolls. She was a social activist and frequently published letters-to-the editor writer. At the age of 81 she was volunteering weekly in her grandson's class. Nino's favourite characterization of Peggy was "My Companion of the Road". Their adventures together included their honeymoon year hitchhiking and traveling by Vespa across western and eastern Europe and the Middle East, and later camping in a VW van across Europe, culminating in a year in bucolic Sicily. When her husband Nino returned home in February 1972 and proposed driving to India with their four young children, her immediate response was "Lets go!" In later years she and Nino spent time "shun-piking" over back country roads. Forty happy summers were spent at the family cottage near Algonquin Park. Peggy's warmth and generosity will be remembered by many. Private cremation. A gathering of remembrance will be held soon. Enquiries should be directed to: info@ beechwoodcemetery.com In Peggy's memory, a fund is being established for charitable work that reflects her commitment to those in need. Details available at the gathering & above email address. "We miss and love you fiercely dearest Peggy."