Obituary of Peggy Martin

 “Marguerite Isabelle Martin (Peggy)

  August 12, 1926-July 17, 2024

On July 17, 2024, 26 days short of her 98^th birthday, we sadly bid farewell to our mother Peggy (Buckley) Martin, daughter of the late Robert (Bob) and Alma (Gaudet) Buckley. She was born August 12, 1926 in Summerville, Mass and in 1932 moved with her family to Quispamsis, NB.

She was the eldest of six children and enjoyed the life of a farmer’s daughter. She loved to spend her time sharing memories of her early years and felt it was important for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to understand and value their heritage.

Peggy was not a mother just to her 7 children, but cared for so many others she encountered in her life. No one was exempt from her gentle generosity; it extended far past our immediate family, neighbors and relatives. Acquaintances quickly and easily evolved into treasured friendships with Peggy. It was natural for her to move into the role of caregiver and nurturer effortlessly.

Even with her busy life, Peggy found time to volunteer in her community tirelessly. She was an active member of the CWL in the parish of St. Mark’s and Our Lady Churches. She served many years with the Meals on the Wheels program and the Hampton Food Bank. Her most rewarding achievement would have to be her many years of service with Saint John Ambulance. She and her sister Hope, joined in 1976 with the Quispamsis Volunteer Ambulance where they served for 20 years. They were honoured as Serving Sisters and received the Service Medal of the Order of Saint John. She was proud of her Certificate of Appreciation under the New Brunswick Branch of the United Nations Association of Canada for outstanding volunteer work with the Town of Quispamsis. Most recently her involvement with the Hampton Seniors Resource where she enjoyed working the door.

The priorities of Peggy’s life were family, faith, and friends. Our mother paid attention to the simple things, they were what mattered. She wasn’t materialistic or showy, she was calm, caring, and loving. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially Christmas dinners and Birthday celebrations at the family camp in Deadman’s Harbour, mostly being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all together. She spent her days knitting socks for her family making sure even the tiniest feet received her love. Although it was difficult to leave her family home, the community she joined at Ossekeag Place in Hampton quickly created strong new friendships and a cherished new chapter in her life. Our family will be forever grateful for the kindness and the friendship they have shared with our mother.

Peggy is survived by her children: Jim (Nancy), Pat Bielli, Lynn Sparks (Sean), Mike (Rose), Judy, Paula Cullinan (Brian), Dean (Kathy); grandchildren: Mike, Caleb, Carrie, Jack, Stewart, Julie, Craig, Bill, Bruce, Jim, Shane, Paula, Evan, Marcos, Ali, Greg, Justin, David, Ryan, Luke, and Molly and her youngest blessings of 23 great-grandchildren; her brother Bob Buckley (Muriel) of Quispamsis and sister Hope Jones (Garth) of Quispamsis.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Paul, sisters: Lolly Chamberlain, June Russell, and Betty McLaughlin; infant grandson Benjamin Martin; sons-in-law John Bielli and David Henry.

Sincere thanks to all the staff of the Saint John Regional Hospital. During her short stay she often remarked that she could not believe how wonderful she was treated. Our family has been touched by your kindness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home, 1063 Main Street, Hampton NB where the visitation will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 22 Church Street, Hampton on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 11:00am. The interment will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery in Rothesay at a later date.

Donations in memory of Peggy may be made to the Hampton Food Basket or a gesture of kindness to those in need would be a great honour to our mother. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through ReidsFH.com