Peggy Greenland

Even before that first breath is taken, the heart beats in anticipation of our soul’s arrival onto this earthly plane. So it is with our final exhale - the heart continues to beat, not in expectation of our soul’s departure but in deference to Spirit’s graceful summons to gently transition from a single life force to one of universal energy.

Ladies and gentlemen it is with our warmest aloha that we announce the beautiful soul, Peggy (Tūtū) Greenland, graced the stage for her final curtain call in the wee hours of Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Music was a significant theme throughout Peggy’s life as was performing on and off the stage. Her magnificent repertoire ran the gamut from golden gospel to bawdy ballads with a sprinkling of Hawaiian mele for good measure. Church choir, musical theatre and humorous corporate functions were her specialty back in England and here in Calgary and when the opportunity arose, she would even take to the mic with regal presence to share her beloved island favourites. But it was Peggy’s performance off the stage that deeply touched the lives of so many.

Peggy was born in Derby, Great Britain in December 1931, to Charles and Harriet, and subsequently became a big sister to “baby” Joan and “brother” Peter. Growing up, Peggy loved school and she excelled in her academics even in the midst of World War II. Not long after finishing, she took a position with the General Post Office Telephone Company and eventually met the love of her life, Cyril, to whom she wed in 1952. A few years hence, they ventured forth to establish a new beginning in Canada choosing the City of Calgary to make their new home.

Peggy’s Canadian career as a receptionist/telephone operator began in 1958, after meeting Mr. Eddie Roberts when making application for a position at a downtown law firm, Chambers, Might & Company. Over the years and in between maternity leaves, the law firm Peggy worked for changed monikers numerous times and eventually became known as the modern day Bennett Jones. As you can imagine, working for such a prestigious law firm demanded extreme attention to detail and a talent for working with the dynamic personalities of high profile lawyers and their equally engaging staff. But behind the façade of professionalism beat the heart of an actress who couldn’t suppress her dramatic talents for long! Many a tale has been told of the times Peggy would entertain her co-workers during numerous corporate events especially the retirement of her good friend and mentor, Eddie Roberts which occurred not long after the Calgary winter Olympics in 1988.

Along with raising a family and home-caring, travel also became a passion for Peggy and Cyril. Warm weather, exotic flowers and sandy shores frequently called them back to the enchanting islands of Hawai’i and for many years together they walked the southern shores of Keawakapu beach on the island of Maui, their tropical sanctuary at the tail-end of Calgary’s chilly winters.

Both Peggy and Cyril retired and enjoyed spending time with their children and grand-children, volunteering for various charities or lending a helping hand to neighbours and friends. Along with fishing, Cyril had become an avid gardener and grew beautiful prize-winning roses as well as delicious vegetables. Peggy would insist she was only ever the weeder and the waterer but we know better – it took a steady hand and a keen eye to know the difference between a tender shoot and a bitter root.

In 1999, Cyril’s talents earned him an invitation to help tend the gardens of Heaven and for the longest time, Peggy continued walking that beach, weeding that garden and feeding those cheeky squirrels until eventually her independence became severely impacted following the heart-wrenching diagnosis of dementia. The past ten years have been filled with many mixed blessings but through it all, her genuine heart and loving spirit remained strong as she continued to enjoy spending time with her loved ones and singing her songs, even when the memories became too tough to recall.

Peggy was one special lady and will be missed by all whose lives she touched - especially those of her much loved “bundles of joy” Raymond William and Sarah Joan.

Please note that at Peggy’s request, no formal service will be conducted; however she will continue to be lovingly celebrated by her son, Raymond (Pamela) Greenland; granddaughter Kristina Greenland and great-granddaughter Shaylynn Greenland; grandson Jonathon (Miranda) Greenland; and her daughter Sarah (Richard) Konelsky; grandson Cameron Konelsky and granddaughter Nicole Konelsky.

The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care-giving Peggy received during her residency at the Carewest Signal Pointe Long Term Care Facility along with the amazing companionship team from the Home Instead Senior Care group. If friends so desire, tributes in her memory may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary or in care of the Recreational Therapy department at Signal Pointe.