Gudrun Margaret Sigridur Trowell (nee Smith), or Peggy as we all knew her was born on June 1, 1928 in the Rothbury District, near Saltcoats, SK. Peggy was the youngest daughter of Thomas and Runa Smith (nee Anderson), sister to Robbie, Elva Murray, Doug, Max, Betty Dickson and Tommy. After receiving her education in Saltcoats, Peggy became an operator at SaskTel and worked in Yorkton, Regina and later Saltcoats. During this time she met Arthur "Johnny" Trowell. Peggy and Johnny met when both were attendants for Betty and Elmer Dickson's wedding and it was love at first sight. Later in 1951, Peggy and Johnny were married and began their life and their family on the Trowell farm outside of Saltcoats. Aside from being very busy raising their family, Peggy was active in the Grahame Guild, United Church Auxiliary, the Legion Auxiliary and sang in the church choir. Peggy also enjoyed sewing, knitting, needlepoint, gardening, upholstering and refinishing furniture. In 1974, Peggy and Johnny moved to Yorkton to start a new chapter in their lives. Peggy continued to do the things she loved especially tending to her garden and flowers. Peggy and Johnny, either alone or with their family, spent countless hours after breakfast or supper, sitting outside on the patio, drinking endless pots of coffee, talking and laughing, and taking in the beauty of the yard. Canvassing for the Heart & Stroke Foundation was also a passion of Peggy's. She dedicated many, many hours over the years raising money and awareness for this charity, while catching up with her neighbors. She enjoyed bowling and was recognized several times over the years for her achievements in the sport. She met new friends, and continually remained active, whether it was going for walks or doing numerous projects around the house. Peggy's greatest joys in life were spending time around the kitchen table, having coffee with her children, debating or just laughing about something silly. Whether it was playing cards, baking, making playdough, going for walks or just sitting and reading them stories, her grandchildren were an extension of Peggy's love for her children. Peggy will be remembered for her love of music, her knowledge of history and current events, her sharp wit and sense of humor and her strong independent nature. Peggy was predeceased by her husband, of 52 years, Johnny; her parents, Thomas and Runa; her brothers, Robbie, Doug, Max and Tommy. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her children, Leslie (Wendy) and their children, Michelle (Brent) Repsch and Jason (Cathy); Frances (John) Larsen and her children, Barb, Leanne (Brian), Jennifer (Jamie) and Alison; Laurel (Ron) Pitsula; Allan and his children, Amber (Curtis), Scott and Erin; Patricia and her children, James (Stephanie) and Ashley (Luis); Beverley Richards and her children, Laura, Stacey (Lee) and Katie; Kathryn (Karl) Williams and their children, Jessica (Mitch) and Amy; 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn her passing are Peggy's dear sisters, Elva Murray and Betty Dickson; cousin and special friend, Val Trowell and sister-in-law, Helen (Max) Smith as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other cousins and many good friends. Funeral Services were held on Friday, October 11, 2013 from the Saltcoats Community Hall, Saltcoats, SK (under the auspices of Saltcoats United Church), with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema, pianist, Lorne Neal and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "The Lord's My Shepherd". The choir selection was "How Great Thou Art". Members of Peggy's family remembered her in tribute and eulogy. The interment followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Peggy's grandsons, Jason Trowell and Scott Trowell and her nephews, George Murray, Barton Smith, Ken Trowell and Martin Phillips serving as the casket bearers. The honorary pallbearers were all of Peggy's grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. The Piper, Robyn Torrie played one selection, "Amazing Grace" at the grave side. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
