Margaret (Peggy) Jackson

As her daughters, we are both grieving her loss and at peace with her passing. She lived independently in her own home until very recently, determined to do things for herself and her way to the very end.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Peggy grew up in difficult circumstances. Work was a constant in her life, beginning with a childhood paper route during World War II that paid the rent on a home housing three generations. She was not allowed to read the paper until all but one were delivered, because she’d sit and read it cover to cover. This was the beginning of a lifetime of accumulating what we affectionately called her “encyclopedia of useless information.”

A woman ahead of her time, she continued to break stereotypes throughout her life, working in a variety of roles and rarely idle.

Peggy married Thomas (Tom) in 1950 and they eventually settled in Port Alberni when Tom found a job as a machinist at Alberni Engineering.

After exploring a number of service roles in the valley, Peggy decided to be her own boss. Residents of Port Alberni may best remember her as the owner of Mr. Mike’s Restaurant in the 1970’s, later as the owner of the candy store at the mall, and then as a realtor.

Despite the years spent at Mr. Mike’s, she did not enjoy cooking – her daughters have come to see that some things, including this, run in the family.

We remember our mother as a complicated woman, determined to provide a better life for her children than she had herself. She was practical, organized, curious, open-minded, and strong-willed, qualities she applied consistently to work, family, and most disagreements. She advocated for others and inspired many.

From her we learned to think clearly, voice our needs, and value independence. You would be correct in reading this as: the stubbornness is hereditary. We are grateful as well to have inherited her work ethic, perseverance, and love of animals.

Peggy was predeceased by her husband Thomas (2009); her daughter Lorraine (1954); her great-granddaughter Zoey (2018); and her sister Nancy (1992). She is survived by her daughters Diane Best (David) and Gina Rozon (Michel); four grandchildren, Jennifer, Karen, Malin, Liana; and two great-grandchildren, Keigan and Ryder.

In keeping with Peggy’s wishes, there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ty Watson House.