Margaret “Peggy” Emily (Skilton) Garlough

September 14, 1922 – Steyning, England
September 22, 2016 - Red Deer, Alberta

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret 'Peggy' Emily Garlough (nee Skilton).

Peggy was a very kind, loving and caring person who was a devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother. Mom’s personality and beautiful smile made her many friends; she never spoke an unkind word to anyone or about anyone. Mom grew up in Henfield, Sussex England with her 4 brothers and 1 sister. She used to tell us stories about trips to Brighton Beach, picnicking on the “Downs” and helping her Mom and Dad in their confectionary store. Peggy became a nurse and worked in a London Hospital during WWII where she met and married Garth “Lee” Garlough. After the war Lee stayed in the army and they moved from one army post to another. All her children were born in different places, Ken in England; Neil in Victoria; Ian in Medicine Hat; Paul in Alliston; Harris in Vancouver; Janice in Calgary. The family moved to Calgary in 1959, this is where mom stayed and raised her family. Mom worked for Calgary Home Care Services until she was 77 years old. Mom loved life, she loved people, she enjoyed doing things with her children and grandchildren, attending family picnics, birthdays, Christmas concerts etc. Mom loved playing cards, she played canasta with one friend once a week for 40+ years, she was also an avid crib player always stealing points we missed. She loved the theatre, knitting, Sunday dinners with family and cuddling her grandchildren. Unfortunately, at the age of 85 mom developed Alzheimer’s. In 2011 she went to live with her son in Red Deer until she had a stroke and was placed in care at the Extendicare Michener Hill. In spite of her non-verbal communication, she made lots of friends with both staff and residents, just with her smile and her sparkling deep blue eyes. She will be missed by family and friends.

Peggy leaves to mourn her brother Richard (Daphne), sister-in-law Mim, sons Kenneth (Eileen), Neil (Susan), Ian (Wilma), Paul (Jocelyn), daughter Janice (Bernie), daughter-in-law Margie, thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Peggy was pre-deceased by her father Albert Thomas, mother Mabel, brothers Frank (Olive), John, Donald (Mandy), Sister Pam (Doug), son Harris, infant son, infant daughter, and one grandson.

We would like to thank the staff at Extendicare Michener Hill especially Unit 1300 for the tremendous support shown to mom throughout her stay there. Words cannot express how thankful the family are, for the loving care mom received in her final days. We would also like to thank Parkland Funeral Home for helping us through this difficult time.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations can be made at the Alzheimer Society or a charity of their choice.