Peggy Joyce Lephew Irwin, age 77, passed away November 8, 2012. Peggy had been bravely battling various illnesses for many years, and she died at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy, born May 14, 1935 to James Lephew and Edna Kelly Lephew, was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and grandmother. She was born the quintessential coal miner's daughter in Elkhorn, West Virginia, helping to care for her younger siblings in her hardscrabble surroundings. Even at a young age, her mothering instincts were very apparent.

After graduating from high school, Peggy joined the United States Army, serving her country with pride and honor. It was in the Army that Peggy met the love of her life, Chester Irwin, a fellow soldier who would soon become her husband, and they enjoyed a happy marriage of nearly 55 years.

Peggy was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, a member of the Junior Women's League, a member of the PTA, and served her community in various ways throughout her life. Peggy worked as the Deli and Bakery Manager at Big Value Supermarket in Bantam for many years, providing her customers with countless smiles, sandwiches, pastries, and bowls of her delicious soups.

Peggy is survived by her husband Chester, her daughter Debbi Newton and her husband, Butch Newton, her son, Don Irwin and his wife, Kelly Morin-Irwin, her son, Dean Irwin, her daughter-in-law, Sherri Irwin, her son, David Irwin and his wife, Jennifer Light-Irwin, her grandchildren, Kiley Newton, Adam Sahlin, Nick Irwin, Andrea Irwin, Ryan Irwin, Alison Irwin, Brittany Irwin, Cameron Irwin, Kyle Irwin, and Sienna Morin, as well as her siblings, Reba, Michael, Roger, Dana, and Veronica, and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings Bertha and Richard.

Peggy was a wonderful woman who lived life to the fullest, always ready with a smile and a kind word. Hers was a life full of love, laughter, and compassion, she was completely devoted to her family and friends, and made everyone better for having known her. She will be sorely missed.

It was Peggy's wishes that no public service be held for her, and her family is honoring those wishes with a private family service. They ask that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in her name to any of the three following causes: The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; The Make A Wish Foundation of America, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 6062, Albert Lea, MN 56007; or Friends Of Fisher House CT, c/o Creed Law Firm, PO Box 575, Bristol, CT 06010.

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