November 18, 2019 – West Bend, WI –Peggy Jean Cosgrove (nee Wright) passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 under the compassionate care of The Kathy Hospice in West Bend and with family by her side. She was 90 years old.
Peggy was born on June 1, 2029 in Billings, Montana to Eleanor (nee Power) and George A. Wright. Early in her life, the youngest of three children and the only daughter, Peggy developed a great love of fun and adventure. She was the regular ‘substitute’ player for bridge games at home; to play was required before going out with her friends. Peggy was much loved and adored by her older brothers. She was also the target of their practical jokes. It was all fun and likely fed her competitive spirit and eager readiness to face challenges with optimism and resolve.
Peggy attended Drake University where she majored in journalism and met Tom when he returned from the war. Together they raised a large family, nurtured their friendships, participated in and contributed to community and church. Upon retirement, Peg and Tom moved to a home on Little Cedar Lake, a perfect place for the family to gather at all times of the year.
A teacher at heart, Peggy worked for many years with middle school teens and later, volunteered her time with local literacy programs. She loved playing the piano for a little quiet time in a Chopin nocturne, playful time with Kitten on the Keys, or for the thrill of a four handed Sousa march. Peggy was an artist with knitting needles and on the sewing machine, creating countless dresses for her daughters and sweaters for her grandchildren. With a sixth sense at the bridge table, she could very strategically make every last trick with all hands dealt, whether good or bad.
A hardworking woman most of the time, Peggy was not one to miss a good time. She was the life of the party. She fully enjoyed the beauty of life and lived it with great gusto. Peggy devoted herself to her husband and cherished her time with family and friends. She was warm hearted, supportive, and generously loving and kind.
Peggy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Thomas “Tom,” her parents, her brothers Bill and George, and her nephew, William Wright. Peggy is survived by her five children, Catherine Cosgrove, Janet Cosgrove, James Cosgrove, Carin (Richard) Reddish, Carol (Cass) Grandone, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-children. She is further survived by her niece, Charlotte (nee Wright) DePalma, relatives and many dear friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Mosley who gave thirty five years of wonderful medical care to prolong and brighten Peggy’s days. The family would like to thank Pastor Eric for enriching Peggy’s life by way of insightful sermons and many years of love and support. To The Kathy Hospice, we thank you for your tender comfort care.
A Memorial Service will be held for Peggy at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Peace United Church of Christ, 343 First Street, Kewaskum, WI 53040, with Rev. J. Eric Kirkegaard presiding. In memory of Peggy, donations are much appreciated to The Kathy Hospice (3232 Pleasant Valley Rd West Bend, WI 53095) or The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (P.O. Box 14380 Washington, DC 20044).
