About Peggy Goodwin who died July 2022 after 96 years of life
Peggy Alice Elizabeth Goodwin in (Born: 11th September 1926, Died 10th July 2022)
Written by her granddaughter Clair Longman
Peggy Alice Elizabeth Goodwin in (Born: 11th September 1926, Died 10th July 2022)
Peggy embraced the lovely community of Wivenhoe during her nearly 50 years as a resident and was a member of many of its clubs and societies.
Wivenhoe Almshouse residents
Peggy and husband Bill were appointed almshouse residents to Jonathan Feedham Court in August 1974 shortly after they were built. Bill’s grandfather, also William, was a ship’s captain and was lost at sea in 1890 leaving a large family. Bill’s father, Harry, was given a scholarship to a school for seafarer’s children and later sailed around the world on various luxury boats, the owners of which kept them moored them at Wivenhoe. Peggy often recalled how fortunate she and Bill were to be given the almshouse bungalow by the Trust because of the family links to the sea.
Moving originally from Winsley Road in Colchester’s New Town area, the couple enjoyed a happy retirement together in Wivenhoe, until Bill sadly passed away in 1996.
Happy Days across the water
Whilst proud Wivenhoe residents, they enjoyed happy times across the water in their caravan at Brightlingsea, where they would travel by bus. These were special times, and many treasured memories were made there with their daughter Pat, her husband Gordon and their children – Clair and Ian.
When the caravan was no longer viable, Peggy and Bill swapped the caravan for a beach hut, again on Brightlingsea sea front. Peggy and Bill, “a real character”, made many friends during this time. Peggy spent much of her time swimming and going for walks which she loved.
Community Spirit
During her time in Wivenhoe she embraced the lovely community and joined many of the clubs and societies. Her weekly schedule involved attending the local singing group, a writing group with Leila Berg often attended a yoga class (at the Wivenhoe Sailing Club) and the Women’s institute, and enjoyed many of the speakers at the University of the Third Age.
She like to help at the Nottage back in the 1990s serving teas during the many events held there.
Peggy also volunteered at the Colchester General Hospital in the Hospital League of Friends taking the bus from Wivenhoe to the General.
Not one to sit still
Peggy spent many hours walking in the woods which backed onto her bungalow. Her favourite time to visit was always when the bluebells arrived and always encouraged her family and friends to join her to admire the blue carpet.
Peggy was frequently seen cycling around on her Triumph bicycle whilst attending the clubs and societies of which she was a member.
Her garden was another joy; she loved flowers, especially geraniums, and feeding and watching the birds. Unfortunately, she did not like our bushy tailed friends, who were often on the receiving end of Peggy’s wrath, if they dared to eat the bird food!
With day trips taking her to flower shows and gardens, with her friend Margaret, Peggy kept busy. She loved the Thursford Christmas spectacular, musicals, listening to opera and Radio Four.
Always one to keep her brain active, when Peggy did sit down she enjoyed watching Countdown and quizzes on television, and always reported to Pat what was happening in EastEnders, though Insisted she didn’t really like it!
Early Life & family
Peggy was the middle child of three, with brother Stan and sister Janet. A highly academic child, Peggy excelled at school, and passed the eleven plus exam.
However, she had to leave school aged just 14 to take care of the family home, following the sad passing of her Mother.
Aged 25, she met Bill at a wedding, and the couple were married themselves soon afterwards at St Mary Magdalen church, living as mentioned in Winsley Road.
Peggy was then blessed with great grandchildren Jude, Evie, Ben and Josh. She was always immensely proud of them and loved to hear all about their hobbies and achievements.
Later Life
She remained in her bungalow until December 2021, enabled by two wonderful and understanding carers, Judy and Lesley, who the family thank sincerely.
Peggy spent her final months in Colonia Court care home, where the chef must have been amazing. For a lady who had always only eaten fresh fruit after a meal, she enjoyed a pudding every single day that she was there!
Peggy passed away peacefully on 10th July 2022. Her funeral took place on 8th August at Colchester Crematorium with her wake held at the Holiday Inn where many celebrated her life.
Clair Longman, Peggy’s granddaughter
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