Peggy Tidsbury

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Pallister Farm, located about 10km west of Portage la Prairie. The lane is a half mile north of the junction of Hwy #1 and Hwy #16, on the east side. In adherence with current Covid 19 restrictions all those in attendance must be fully vaccinated.

Peggy was born at Portage Hospital on November 2, 1959 to parents Bill & Anne Pallister of Edwin, MB. She grew up on a mixed farm, the “apple of her Dad’s eye”, loving kittens, farm dogs and having to compete with two challenging brothers. She was up for the verbal exchanges of clever wit and sarcasm! They, together with her parents, inspired her love of learning, music, competition and personal growth. She attended Edwin and Yellowquill Schools. Her youth saw her joining the Poplar Bluff 4-H Club for many years where she groomed her “natural gift” of public speaking which served her well throughout her life. She went on to attend Portage Collegiate where she earned major roles in Drama Club productions. Graduating in 1977 she was given the honor of class valedictorian.

Following in the footsteps of her mother she attended University of Manitoba to obtain her Bachelor Degree in Education in 1981.  Her practicum teaching skills were such that she was awarded her first position in Carberry months prior to her official graduation.   Peggy married Keith Tidsbury in 1982 and resided in the High Bluff area where she became the loving mother to two daughters, Mallory and Morgan.

She continued to play fastball as an adult until her children became involved in the sport and she then offered her coaching skills. Other life activities included a bowling league, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Prairie Players Community Theater Group.

Her teaching career spanned 32 years. Positions included Dakota Tipi School, Good Hope Colony and Yellowquill School where she became affectionately known as “Mrs. T”. She specialized as a Math teacher at Portage Collegiate Institute ending her career at PCI in January of 2014.  She was not ready to give up her professional endeavors and her work with young people. She furthered this desire as a counselor with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba at the Southport location. Once again children gravitated towards her, as she was an adept listener.  Peggy applied to become a Marriage Commissioner in Manitoba, upon her acceptance she composed and crafted ceremonies that every newly married couple enjoyed. Often, they were former students or family friends.  The newlyweds would be joined in matrimony by her commanding, ever smiling presence offered with faultless vocal delivery. That same commanding presence was also enjoyed by patrons of Prairie Players Theater productions. Peggy could often be seen once or twice per season on stage, acting in various plays while bringing characters to life.  She lived for the challenge of engaging every audience.  This brought her great joy and satisfaction.

Peggy became a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.  They work towards local charitable causes and have a strong spirit of volunteerism. Sorority was an important aspect of Peggy’s later life.  The comradery of other women whose ideals and purposefulness that would match or exceed her own, produced a deep bond.  Strong friendships were common in Sorority and with other close friends, known affectionately as the PIGS.  At times, Peggy seemed to be the straw that stirred the drink. Adept at organization, assigning nick names to each participant, anticipating the need to gather together, friends appreciated the time she would spend with them.  They were aware of her zest for life.  Dull moments faded away as Peggy entered the picture.  She had a radiant smile which she used often and without mercy.  It was a smile that won her many friends, diminished difficult moments and always gathered people to her.  The closest of her female friends will remember her as Queen PIG, for reasons known best to them. (A term of great affection).  Peggy was often hilarious, quick witted, in moments fiercely sarcastic but could offer the best hugs.  She was seen as being authentic, displaying a degree of fearlessness and having a great strength of character.  Those that knew her were well aware of the location of her infamous purse, with the array of items produced from inside the front of her shirt.

In March of 2007 Peggy met Ron her partner.  They met in a perfect moment that lasted for thirteen years.  Within three months of meeting, they were house shopping and in the fourth month they were living happily ever after.  Travelling the world became the focus of their life, either by airplane, cruise ship or car.  They touched four continents enjoying the tastes, sights, sounds and scenes of every destination they travelled to. From Iceland to Argentina and from St. Petersburg to Beijing a love of life, a love of travel and especially a love of each other was ever present.

Peggy is lovingly remembered by her partner Ron of thirteen years; daughters Mallory, Morgan (Jeff) and granddaughter Rayne; brothers Brian (Esther) and Jim (Colleen) along with nieces and nephews; Bryce (Jenna), Tess, Claire, William (Jenna), Quinn and Shawn and great nephew and nieces Dawson, Aimelie and Evey.  She was predeceased by her parents Bill and Anne Pallister.

A private graveside service will take place at Hillside Cemetery.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Pallister Farm, located about 10km west of Portage la Prairie. The lane is a half mile north of the junction of Hwy #1 and Hwy #16, on the east side. In adherence with current Covid 19 restrictions all those in attendance must be fully vaccinated.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/noris-second-journey in support of Nori’s journey. This is a very personal choice by Peggy.

A tree was planted and will be cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021