With a thankful heart and a determined spirit, Peggy approaches life with grace and resilience. Her faith gives her strength, her work ethic keeps her moving forward, and her gratitude shines through in the way she treats everyone she meets. Let us meet Peggy, 75, who grew up just a half mile outside of Grenada, Minnesota — a small farming community of about 300 people. Life on the farm shaped who Peggy is today. Her family raised corn and beans, and cared for horses, teaching her early on the value of hard work and responsibility. Peggy remembers her childhood with deep appreciation. Her parents were loving and generous, even when they had little to give. Her mother, in particular, was her greatest influence — an honest, hardworking woman who taught Peggy to love Jesus and carry her faith into every part of life. Peggy continues to live out that faith each day.

Growing up alongside her two sisters and brother, Peggy remembers fondly their family dog, Sunny, days spent with the horses, and the many chores that came with farm life. While weeding beans and picking cockleburs were not her favorite tasks, she believes those long hours instilled in her the strong work ethic she carries to this day.

Peggy attended the University of Minnesota and built a career centered on caring for others. She worked as a consulting dietitian, supporting nursing homes, and later returned to school to earn her master’s degree in nursing. As a float pool nurse, Peggy found joy in making sure people felt cared for. Work eventually brought Peggy to relocate to the Rochester community.

Peggy experienced both love and loss in her life. Her first husband passed away at the young age of 33, and she later remarried her late husband, Joe. She speaks with warmth and gratitude about both marriages and the love they shared. Family remains at the heart of Peggy’s life. She is the proud mother of three sons — Jamie, Jacob, and Jordan — whom she describes as loving and supportive.

Those who know Peggy best would describe her as kind and hardworking, qualities that have defined her throughout her life. A self-described homebody, Peggy has always cherished time spent at home — wherever that may be. Today, at Samaritan Bethany, her favorite things are the people, the food, and the sense of security she feels. You’ll often hear Peggy thanking staff for the important work they do and sharing her positivity throughout the neighborhood.

Peggy continues to practice her faith, having grown up attending Assembly of God. She enjoys weekly Bible Study and sharing the love of Jesus with those around her.
If you stop by to visit Peggy, be sure to bring a slice of cherry cheesecake and a hot cup of coffee — and you’ll likely leave with a smile of your own.