Pegi Lou Baudry Candler

Survived by: Daughter, Denise Savant and husband Tim; Son, Jon Candler and wife Samantha; Sister, Michelle Posey and husband Gerald; Grandchildren Trey Carter, Amanda Carter Adcock, Zeke Savant, Adaline Candler, and Benjamin Candler; Greatgrands David Valdez, Trey Adcock, and Hazel Adcock; along with several nephews and nieces, as well as great-nephews and great-nieces.

Preceded in Death by her beloved parents Walter Frank Baudry and Marjorie Elaine Rogers Baudry; husband William Edward Candler; daughter Milisa Marlane Candler Mangham; brother Richard John Baudry, brother and sister-in-law Michael David and Pamela Baudry.

Pegi was born in New Iberia, Louisiana, and grew up in Shreveport. She graduated from Woodlawn High School and developed her clerical skills in various industries over the years. However, Pegi most enjoyed working for herself as a residential housekeeper. She loved many of her clients who she considered close friends.

At the point in her life when it was just herself and toddler Denise, Pegi met Ed and they started their life together. Milisa came along a couple years later and several years later came Jon. Pegi would tell you her greatest accomplishments were her kids. Her unconditional love and support never failed, she enjoyed each child as the individual they were. Although frequenting thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales was her idea of a good time, she embraced each moment she could have with her kids.

Pegi never took herself too seriously and really didn’t care what anyone thought of it. It was her way – or the highway. Taking her girls, Denise and Milisa, and little sister Michelle, on excursions was not unusual. It could be an impromptu overnight trek to Six Flags to blow a paycheck, or a day trip to Lake of the Pines. As the bundle of joy who came along much later, Jon was the ultimate sidekick. He was great company and as he grew in stature and strength, he was the ideal accomplice for loading up those great second-hand finds!

Grandkids will remember her humility, generosity, kindness, sass and humor. Their grandma-time could be assembling a puzzle, watching a movie from her VHS collection, looking for bugs, or sneaking sweets. (Everyone should know Dr. Pepper was necessary for hydration, and no chocolate could compare to Hershey’s milk chocolate.) Maybe she surprised them at school for grandparents day, spent time with them painting pumpkins, or let them hide in the bed of the S10. Everyone wanted to find the spot for a secret tutorial on driving a stick shift.

She loved to surround herself with plants and animals. Over the years, Pegi provided a home for many dogs and cats. She also raised chickens, pigs and horses at various times, as well as a number of birds, more than a few fish aquariums, hamster and gerbil types, and a spider monkey. Her plant collection was non-specific: indoor, outdoor, thorny or fragrant. Roses were Pegi’s favorite, and she was proud of successful cuttings that allowed her to start new bushes whenever she moved around. She collected seeds of anything that struck her eye, even if it was considered an invasive weed by others.

Pegi was the ultimate DIY-er and loved to personalize her spaces. No can of paint went unused - no matter the color, or paint formula, or surface! Hanging up décor was never a challenge for long: a roofing nail, or penny nail would find its way into mortar. Likewise, a screw, thumbtack, or finishing nail would be strategically placed to complete a photo collage or one of her eclectic art collections. Red was her favorite color, and roosters dominated the theme.

She was a person like no other and everyone always remembers the smiles and great times they had when with Pegi. She never met a stranger and never denied a hug. Her love for her family and her love for life cannot be matched. She is dearly missed and now it is our turn to share stories of the meals shared, adventures pursued, thrift shops visited, and all the wonderful memories we had with Pegi.

Love you, Mom... See ya later, Alligator...

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation to an animal rescue agency, such as Ninna’s Road to Rescue.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Manor Stratmore and LifePath Hospice for their attentiveness and compassionate care.