Marguerite M. Arendell

Marguerite M. Arendell (Peggy), age 90, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024. Born on March 17, 1934, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Peggy enjoyed a joyful New England childhood filled with ice skating, sledding, building snowmen, and family summer vacations at Hampton Beach. In a musically inclined family, her parents and five siblings often gathered around their mother playing the piano and their father on the violin or accordion, with the older boys contributing on saxophone, clarinet, or trombone. The girls mainly sang and danced, cherishing these precious family moments. Sunday evening prayers were also a cherished family tradition.

In June 1950, at the age of 16, Peggy and her family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida. She attended St. Ann’s High School and loved being within walking distance of the beach. Every time they had visitors, they would enjoy coffee, donuts, and a family picnic on the beach.

On January 9, 1956, Peggy married James Luther Arendell. Together, they had seven wonderful children, each of whom was her favorite. Peggy and Luther shared a beautiful marriage of 65 years until his passing on October 9, 2021. They relished family time and the company of loved ones, traveling mainly to visit family and friends. As active members of the ELKS organization, they attended numerous social events and gatherings, forming cherished friendships. Peggy and Luther loved dancing together whenever they had the chance.

Peggy was a beloved and well-respected local AVON lady for almost 50 years. She and her husband were devoted members of St. Luke Catholic Church for many years before moving to their retirement home in 1994. There, they enjoyed a simple life of sitting on the porch, playing solitaire, putting together puzzles, and entertaining family and guests. After their move, they became members of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, where they volunteered as ushers and greeters. Peggy continued to enjoy the South Florida weather and beaches, often visiting when guests were in town.

Peggy is survived by her sisters, Rita and Marie, and her seven children: Gail, Donna, James, Cathy, Trish, Sandy, and Scott; along with all their significant others, as well as her stepson Bill Vidor and his wife. She also leaves behind over 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Hector and Jeanne McDonald, and her brothers, Joe and Bob.

This special woman was a wonderful wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a dear sister, aunt, and the best friend anyone could have. If you are so inclined, paying a random act of kindness forward would be a fitting tribute to the memory of Peggy.

Donations can be made to Mary Immaculate Catholic Church at 390 S Sequoia Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Additional donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at www.alzfdn.org/donate/ .

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held on July 1, 2024, from 6 PM to 9 PM at Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center, located at 5411 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. A mass will follow on July 2, 2024, from 10 AM to 11 AM at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. Concluding with a burial on July 2, 2024, at 12 PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, located at 10941 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (ST. ANN SECTION Block-: 194F). All are welcome to attend.