Obituary of Peggy Isobel Devitt Woodside

DEVITT WOODSIDE, Peggy (nee Thompson) Mother died on December 16, 2006 at Toronto East General Hospital. Peggy was born the fourth of four children in Toronto on August 13, 1921, to most beloved parents the Reverend and Mrs. B.W. Thompson (Eva Low of Renfrew, Ontario). Secondary schooling occurred in Kingston, Ontario, after which she graduated from Queen�s University in 1943. In 1944, she attended the College of Education in Toronto, later teaching at Renfrew Collegiate, South Collegiate in London, Ontario, and Western Technical School in Toronto. From 1964 to 1986, Peggy taught at Leaside High School (Toronto). After her marriage to Bill Devitt in 1947, they moved to Leaside where they raised their three children, Bill, Patricia (Pat) and Peggy-Anne. Immediately they became active in the community, at school, church and in sporting events. Having lived in Leaside for over fifty years, Peggy cherished her life-long friends and neighbours. She was grateful for the warmth of their affection, in particular the staff and students at Leaside High School, her very close friends at Northlea United Church, where she was an active member. In 1964, Peggy faced a sudden challenge, her husband died at age 45. Mother�s indomitable spirit, and courage, her work ethic and the dedication to her loving children remained steadfast. Peggy resumed her teaching career at Leaside High School in 1964. She had many friends and a wide range of interests such as The Book Club, music, theatre and her secret passion for sports and athletics scarcely ever missing a game on T.V. Much of the family socializing over the years occurred at the cottage on Danforth Lake, Quebec where her children and grandchildren have such fun and good times. In 1994, Peggy married Caryle Woodside, a former Queen�s University friend, who died suddenly in 1997. She is predeceased by her two husbands, two brothers, sister Evelina "Ev� (1985) and her daughter Patricia (1987). She will be lovingly remembered by her families Bill and Glynis Devitt, Laurel and Robert; Peggy-Anne and Robert Van Vliet, Kristyn and Jenna; Bill and Eileen Fitzpatrick, Allison and Ryan, Richard and Nancy Woodside, John and Emma, a niece Elizabeth Hutchings, nephews David and Peter Thompson. Mother will be remembered for her guidance, support and generosity; her loyalty to and her love for her children, grandchildren and friends. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A. W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2006. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 in NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH, 125 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto. Interment Mount Pleasant Cemetery. If desired, donations in Peggy�s name may be made to Northlea United Church, Family Practice Unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Canadian Institute for the Blind or a charity of your choice.