Margaruite ''Peg'' C. (Johnston) Brandes

HOLDEN – Margaruite “Peg” C. (Johnston) Brandes, 82, a long-time resident of Holden and more recently of 70 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, died Sunday, November 21, 2004 in the Knollwood Nursing Center.

Her husband of 59 years, Harold W. Brandes, predeceased her in June of this year. She leaves four sons, Harold “Hal” W. Brandes Jr. and his wife Bharati Dahanukar of Mill Valley, California, Alan J. Brandes and his wife Barbara J. of Rutland, Robert H. Brandes and his wife Mary Beth of Kendall Park, New Jersey, and John M. Brandes and his wife Amy E. of Holden; six grandchildren, Priya D. Brandes, Amanda J. Brandes, Katherine M. Brandes, Jennifer M. Brandes, Michael R. Brandes and MacKenzie E. Brandes. A brother, John “Jack” M. Johnston Jr., predeceased her. Peg was born in Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, Canada, daughter of John MacKenzie and Constance (Smith) Johnston, and grew up in Leicester.

Mrs. Brandes lived in Holden for 47 years before moving to Worcester. She graduated from Becker College and was a secretary at Lawrence R. McCoy and Co. Peg drove the Holden Gale Free Library Bookmobile, was one of the first special education aides for the Wachusett Regional School District, provided freelance secretarial services and taught lampshade making. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Holden and was a contributor to many church organizations, including Church Council, Women’s Circle and Hand Bell Ringers.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Brandes will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 26, in the First Congregational Church of Holden. Burial will be private in Grove Cemetery, 1290 Main Street, Holden. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is directing arrangements.

Website: www.milesfuneralhome.com