Obituary of Margaret M. Thompson

Margaret M. "Peg" Thompson Himrod: Margaret "Peg" (Schweitzer) Thompson, age 81, died peacefully on Sunday, March 13 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Penn Yan. Peg was born on June 14, 1940 to Alvin and Margaret (Brady) Schweitzer. She grew up in Tonawanda, New York alongside her four sisters, Mary Ann, Beth, Tina, and Moira (Helen), and her cousin Carl, who was like a brother to her. Along with her parents and sisters, an extended family of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins helped her discover the things that would grow to be the joys of her life: gardening, cooking and baking, enjoying the outdoors - especially on the water - and spending time with family and friends. She married Richard "Dick" Thompson in 1963, and had two children, Paul in 1965, and Karen in 1968. The family moved to Penn Yan in 1976. In earlier years, Peg worked for the American Cancer Society and the Penn Yan Area Chamber of Commerce, and helped manage Richard Thompson Physical Therapy with her husband, Dick. She loved talking with people and learning their stories, which served her well when she discovered her accidental calling as a writer with both the Penn Yan Chronicle-Express and the Dundee Observer. Peg was never happier than when she was in the garden, although the kitchen was a close second - especially during the winter season. She was an active volunteer with the Friends of the Outlet, and served on the board and as President. She loved seeing pictures and hearing stories of her family, especially her nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. No arrangements have been made for this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held in the late spring/early summer - Peg's favorite time of year. The family asks that those who were blessed to know Peg remember her with joy, and think of her as she was when she was doing the things that made her so special. Those who wish to honor her in other ways may make a donation to the Himrod Volunteer Fire Department 3530 Himrod Rd., Himrod, NY 14842-9608, the Dundee Fire Company, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837, or the Humane Society of Yates County, P.O. Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY; online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.