Mary “Peggy” Louise Landham, 72, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2017, in Life Care Center Red Bank under the care of Amedysis Hospice.
Peggy enjoyed a successful career making pens in the workshop at Orange Grove, a unique and nurturing haven for the intellectually challenged. Full of light and happiness, Peggy, who never met a stranger, brought much joy to every person who touched her life.
Everyone defines “quality of life” from her own perspective. In “Peggy’s World” quality meant: devouring a cheeseburger, fries and a Diet Coke (she could tell the difference if it was not a “real” Coke), trips to the beach, shopping – especially for dot to dot books – coloring, watching cartoons and much to her Mother’s chagrin, Live Wrestling. In her earlier years she participated in Special Olympics, proudly displaying her multitude of medals. She was a true warrior, surviving significant melanoma surgeries in the mid 1990s.
Peggy was granted honorary member status from both her Mother’s Garden Club and Doll Club. At Christmas all their many dolls were dressed in their “Christmas Velvets” and at Halloween their porch was wildly decorated so Peggy could disperse candy to the neighborhood children. She understood the concept of sharing and was a firm believer in “one for you and one for me” when it came to candy.
Peggy enjoyed volunteering for many years both at the Chattanooga Zoo and with Meals on Wheels. She became very attached to a bird at the zoo, visiting him frequently until “he went to heaven” and taking him special treats. She loved the Meals on Wheels clients, cheering them up with her special kind of selfless love.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at RHA, especially Elizabeth Kimball and Missy Bartlett, Missy Smith of Visions Services and her exceptional caregivers, Delores Stone, Rita Snyder, Brandi Allen, Danyelle Dunn, Shirley Williams and Deborah Brown, all of whom loved her unconditionally, enriching her long and happy life.
Peggy was predeceased by her parents, Clarence Landham, MD and Elsye Collins Meriweather Landham and her brother, Robert C. Landham. She is survived by her Sister In Law, Leslie Landham and a multitude of extended family and friends.
Visitation is scheduled at Chattanooga Funeral Home North (Highway 153) on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 5–6 p.m. Graveside is scheduled on Friday, Oct. 13, at Forest Hills at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make any donation to a charity of your choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.