November 4, 1955 - December 7, 2020
Peggy will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her but especially her son Ryan Fink and his partner Pascalle Ellefsen. As well, she will be missed by her grandchildren, Jasper Fink and Kahlil Ellefsen whom she loved so very much.
Peggy's partner of 20 years, Larry Stevens, cannot imagine a world without her, but his memories of wonderful times shared together and knowing of the love they shared for each other will provide solace for Larry.
Peggy is also survived by Larry's daughters, Alexis and Vanessa Stevens and Larry's two granddaughters Sarafina Aluoch and Anisa Duncan. She is also survived by her three brothers, Ben and Alyson, Lennard, Jim and Adrienne Fink and their families. As well, she is remembered by her beloved aunts, Peggy and Ron Moch, Beth Coates, Mary Fink and her uncle, Alex and Darcy Wiggins. Peggy was predeceased by her parents Jeanie and Jerry and her brother Greg.
Peggy was born in Ponoka, Alberta November 4, 1955 and she grew up on the farm founded by her great grandparents, Joe and Sarah Fink. Her grandparents, Ben and Jenny Fink lived on the same farm and although not characteristic of Alberta, they planted an apple orchard and Peggy's favorite time of year was in the spring when she would walk through the trees in full bloom.
Ben's favorite variety of apple tree was a variety called Trail and he planted one outside of what was to become Peggy's bedroom window. In the night, Peggy fell asleep to the whispering of the leaves and in the day time, she would crawl into the sparling branches of her tree reading her favorite novel, a passion that would last a life time. Peggy was a voracious reader and although the opportunity for travel outside of North America did not present itself to her, Peggy travelled the world through her love of reading.
Prior to living in Victoria, Peggy lived in Fort St John in northern British Columbia working for BC Tel and when transferred to Victoria, she was thrilled and was so appreciative to raise her son Ryan in such a beautiful environment. A special memory of Peggy's occurred when Ryan was quite young when he purchased a horse drawn carriage ride for them through the city on Mother's Day.
A lovely memory of her parents, Jerry and Jeanie Fink, prior to their passing, was when Peggy arranged for them to hear the Symphony on the Barge which consists of the Victoria Symphony playing, live on a barge, in the middle of Victoria's Inner Harbour. In her ususal style, she packed a picnic lunch including her delicious fried chicken and potatoe salad and a chilled white wine.
Peggy loved living in Victoria and later in Sooke; she loved walking on the beach and all-around Victoria especially James Bay which was her favourite neighborhood. She was so happy in her final home just outside Sooke with the sound of the sea just meters from her doorstep.
Peggy loved life and never took the simple pleasures for granted. She enjoyed trying new restaurants. She found peace and comfort visiting the Chinese Cemetery appreciating the quiet and learning about the history of the Chinese community in Victoria.
She also discovered, like her grandparents and parents, the passion of gardening and prior to moving to Sooke, enjoyed looking after the front grounds of their condo in Victoria. As well, she loved to visit Hatley Castle Gardens which reminded her of the classic Victorian novels she read in her youth.
Peggy simply enjoyed having coffee and visiting her many friends and would always be there just to listen in times of need. She was very generous with her time and would always help the less fortunate with some spare change, food or a kind word. Music came to be a significant part of Peggy's life when after meeting Larry, she shared his passion of Acoustic Music.
Together, they became a large part of the acoustic music scene on the island where she often supported the musicians in many different ways and she so enjoyed the many festivals they attended.
After Peggy retired with BC Tel, she began working as a caregiver at Beckley Farm Lodge which is a long-term care facility in James Bay. The mission of Beckley is "to help their resident experience well being and happiness," a role Peggy took very seriously. She had tremendous passion for the residents, many who became her dear friends and she enjoyed learning about their lives and provided such compassionate care for them. She will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched while working at Beckley Farm Lodge.
A quality about Peggy that we all will remember is her positive attitude, and even at the end, her spirt was undaunted. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and although she may be gone, she will never be forgotten.
Donations can be made in Peggy's memory at The Lung Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, B.C.