On Feb. 2, 2013, Peggy lost her long struggle with lung cancer. Peggy passed peacefully at her home with her husband, family, and beloved pets by her side on a mild, winter day.
She was born Peggy Flora Kett in Norwich, England, on Aug. 17, 1935. She was one of 10 children born to Flora and Cecil Kett. Childhood memories of the battle of Britain during World War II left her with an incredibly strong sympathy for all children who suffer through the horror of war.
She met Perry Wigle, Airman First-Class, during his first tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force in England. They were married on Aug. 15, 1956; this began her life as an Air Force wife, an adventure she followed with zest, outspokenness and a positive attitude.
Moving to Montana after being married for about a year and a half was quite a change for Peggy. Moving to another country with different traditions (and in some cases, no indoor plumbing!) lead to some of her most humorous stories. She was a strong woman and was proud of being a mother. This strength of character and pride in her children was evident especially during the many times her husband was away serving in the military.
Peggy's love of birds, wildlife, grandchildren and a good cup of tea will be remembered by all who knew her. She also loved to read, making things with her hands, traveling of any kind and spending time with family and friends. She spent many miles traveling with her husband Perry in their RV, going to Oklahoma and Minnesota to visit family. She even went to Japan to attend the wedding of one of her grandchildren.
She had an amazing memory and a wonderful sense of humor. During her last days, when asked how she was feeling she would often reply, "With my hands." She was never one to complain about her struggles in life, always looking at the brighter things. One of Peggy's proudest moments was when she earned her American citizenship on June 28, 1994.
Peggy is lovingly remembered by her husband, Perry; daughter and son-in-law, Tina and John Milan, of Norwich, England; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl Barclay and Rocky Rapson, of Norman, Okla.; daughter and son-in-law, Petra and Mark Meek, of Helena; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Susan Wigle, of Kalispell; and son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Katherine Wigle, of Shakopee, Minn. She loved her six grandchildren, Andy, CJ, Samantha, Danielle, Daniel and Jessika; and six great-grandchildren, Damian, Dalton, Aurora, Aiden, Grayson and Ruby; along with extended family in the U.S. and England.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Peggy's life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.
It was Peggy's desire that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Center; please use tribute number 32733394.
To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com and sign Peggy's guestbook.