Margaret M. "Peggy" Burnham

HOLDEN - Margaret M. "Peggy" (Daley) Burnham, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Willard H. Burnham; daughters, Wendy Sullivan of Port Charlotte, FL, Cheryl McRell and her husband, Steve of Sterling, and Debra Saucier of Shrewsbury; her son, Scott Burnham of Holden; five grandchildren, Emily (McRell) Patten and her husband, Sean of Denver, CO, Kevin McRell and his wife, Sarah and their five children, Carter, Daisy, Cora, Pearl and Ivy, Keith McRell and his wife, Alyson and their three children, Peyton, Hunter and Brett, Derek Saucier and his wife, Jessica of Milford, NH and Laura Saucier of Shrewsbury. Peggy was predeceased by her grandson, Brett Saucier; her son-in-law, Rick Sullivan; two sisters and two brothers.

Peggy was born in Worcester to the late William E. and Elizabeth (O'Leary) Daley. She graduated from Commerce High School and Hahnemann School of Nursing. Peggy married Bill in 1951 and went to Rantoul, IL to join him at Chanute Air Force Base. When they returned to Massachusetts in the fall of 1952 they moved to Holden where they raised their family and remained for the next 70 years.

Peggy worked at Holden Hospital for over 30 years as an LPN, primarily in the Pediatric Ward, until its closing in 1991. From there she went to Adcare Hospital in Worcester for 7 years. She developed many long-lasting friendships with the nurses in both facilities.

Family was very important to Peggy. Family vacations, trips to Florida, family reunions, holidays and celebrations for every life event were "the stuff life was made of" for her. She remembered everyone's birthday and anniversary and always sent a card.

For many years she and Bill participated in the North-South Skirmish Association, traveling to Virginia, Connecticut, camping out and sharing good times with the competitors and their families.

SSpending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a source of great pleasure for Peggy. "Nanny" always had treats for them and enjoyed knitting and/or crocheting special outfits.

Peggy loved doing counted cross-stitch and celebrated the birth of each great-grandchild with a special keepsake. Many family members and friends have been the recipients of her beautiful pieces. Most notable are the pictures of the family dogs that adorn the walls of the house.

She loved baking and was most known for her "Christmas Tree Bread". Over the years she baked hundreds of loaves to give away to family and friends.

Peggy will be remembered for her love of family, her dogs and her smiling Irish eyes.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Calling Hour from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the New England Basset Hound Rescue, P.O. Box 321, Rutland, MA 01543, or online at newenglandbassethoundrescue.org.

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