Peggy Postma

Margaret (Peggy) Lee Postma passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022, in the loving arms of her best friend and daughter, Amy. It’s true what they say, how a person passes from this life often-times mimics their personality on Earth, so when her nurse asked if Peggy was feisty it was instantly understood why peaceful was not the overriding theme of her journey home, like her it was unexpected, amazing, complex, tough, beautiful and ultimately, peaceful.

Peggy was born May 23, 1939, to Joseph and Sarah (Dean) Otway in Merrill, Michigan. She was the youngest of eleven children and was preceded in death by her beloved son, Marc Dean Postma and her ex-husband(s) Bob Postma, her parents and siblings, Dean, Ellen, Donna, Jack, Mary, Gladys, Dick and Tommy. Losing Marc was the greatest burden she could possibly bear, and she did so with grace and dignity, guiding her children as they now grieve their own beautiful Mother.

Peg is survived by her daughter Amy (Paul) Barta, sons Steve (Beth) Postma, David Postma and Wes Postma, her grandchildren Robert, Trey and Kyra Postma, brother Bob (Joanne) Otway, sister Pat Poulos and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by close friends, many of whom are her childrens’ closest friends who felt Peg’s motherly love and acceptance and who are more like family than friends.

Peggy has always been recognized for her gorgeous red hair; it was a beacon in stores if her kids got separated from her. Peggy’s quick wit and comedic timing came naturally and was an ever-present feature at work, family holidays, get-togethers and parties. Peggy grew up in Midland, Michigan, she graduated from Midland High in 1956 and enjoyed all aspects of school life, including being chosen as the homecoming Junior Representative. She was a mother first but also worked for Chemical Bank for many years, and as a Realtor at Miller-Christensen and Blackhurst Realtors.

She was tough, resilient, loving, funny, protective, fierce, honest(!) and a true trailblazer. In 1983, at the age of 44, she made the bold decision to pack up and move across the country to California, where she lived for nearly 40 years before moving to Arizona to be close to her children. While living in California, she worked as a Business Development Representative for The Golden 1 Credit Union. She loved this job as it took her all over the State. She loved driving and staying in beautiful places all over Northern California, joking that she found her way around a new town by landmarking Ross and Marshalls stores. She especially loved the unique nature of her job that had her setting up at all of the maximum security prisons, like San Quentin and Pelican Bay, to provide services to the prison employees. She loved every minute of the diversity her job provided.

Peg taught her kids to be proud, stand up for themselves and always take care of each other. She was their biggest cheerleader, always encouraging them to take chances and keep reaching. Peggy’s smile, intoxicating laugh, sense of humor and true friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peggy's favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Each month she made a donation in Marc's name and she would be honored if donations were made in either her or Marc’s name.