CROMER, Peggy Reine
Passed away with her friend, Merlyn, at her side, February 7, 2006.
Peggy was born in Spokane, Washington on May 11, 1925. She majored in Art and Journalism and graduated from Whitworth University (Spokane) in 1947. During her early years she worked as a Layout artist and Creative director for magazines and in 1960 decided to freelance her work. Her hobby during that time was breeding and showing mini schnauzers and during her travels she had visited B.C. and “fell in love with Canada.” She and her mother immigrated to Canada in 1964. While living in Surrey she worked for a short stint at Vancouver Times (Zenith Engraving). During these years Peg was engaged 4 times, each time backing out “in favour of her career and against the vision of housework and diapers.”
Peggy landed a job at (Douglas) Kwantlen College as a Graphics instructor until her retirement in 1987 when she moved permanently to her vacation home in Qualicum Bay. She began an advertising company, Vision of the Owl designing numerous brochures and maps, wrote magazine articles, logos and signage, political speeches and published 2 colouring books: Totem Tales and the Butterfly book. She also began volunteering her services working with many community groups: The Chamber of Commerce, the Parksville/Qualicum Community Foundation, Brandt Festival, Larynegectomee Club, and Qualicum Farmer’s Market were some of her activities.
Teaching and facilitating others to do well was her passion. She loved to attend theatre, gardening, made jam for everyone she came into contact with ... there are few people in Qualicum who haven’t received one of her “little jam jars”!
She was thankful and appreciated all Gods creations in her life ... her numerous animals, faithful pets, the beauty nature that was reflected in her property in Qualicum Bay she loved so dearly and protected fervently and her many many friends. Each summer she vacationed back to Spokane and Winthrop to visit with old friends and relatives and enjoy the beauty of the Cascades.
In 1993, she had throat cancer surgery. As her personal struggle began, she gained strength she encouraged others in various ways including the “stop smoking campaign” grant from the government.
Peggy was a creative, courageous, political, opinionated, tell it like it is person. Passionate in her fight on many issues yet always left a smile on your face when she left. When we remember her that smile comes back!
A celebration of life was held at Yates Funeral Home and was laid to rest in her Lord February 10, 2006at Qualicum Cemetery.
Thank you to all the many loving friends and neighbours for the cards, flowers, and visits during her illness. Many thanks to the staff at Qualicum Manor for the care and comfort they provided.
In Celebration of her Life, her friends request that donations be made to the Parksville/Qualicum Community Foundation, Peggy Cromer Memorial Fund (this will be a bursary for an art student) , 174 Railway Street, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1K7, or the Canadian Cancer Society.