My journey of providence all began with a lovely woman named: MISS MARGARET I WESTLAKE  who passed away with almost $20,000.00 I discovered had been left on deposit at the Bank of Canada.

As I investigated further, I learned how everyone in Trenton, Ontario called her "Peggy" - They also referred to Peggy as the unofficial "Mayor of Trenton" or simply "Miss Mayor".

With the assistance of Ansestry.ca I was able to locate Peggy's Great Nephew, Wayne. He was so excited to learn of this buried treasure that, he drove into Ottawa from his home in Kingston just meet and thank me for sharing this good news news with the Westlake family. He brought along with him many of Peggy's keepsakes including her jewelry box, several Citizenship Awards and newspaper clippings I've scanned and re-typed for your easy reading. 

 

Here is Peggy's story... as you read how her community rallied to raise funds for a more dignified gravestone over that of a mere cemetery marker placed at her otherwise unmarked grave over 12 years ago, keep in mind, no one knew of Peggy's $20,000.00 nor was Peggy able to remember once Alzheimer's Disease set in. Her obituary.

This newspaper article is written by; Jerome Lessard & Ernst Kuglin - The Trentonian - Monday, July 27, 2009 10:00:00 EDT AM 

Friends raise funds for Peggy's gravestone

"Peggy" can now rest in peace.

Margaret "Peggy'' Westlake died March 31, 2002.

Westlake was buried in an unmarked grave at Mount Evergreen Cemetery in Trenton.

Dozens of friends could never figure out why such a deserving and prominent resident was never given a gravestone, nothing that other residents, friends and family could visit, or share a quiet moment with.

Peggy's funeral was held at St. Andrew's April 3, 2002. But due to a lack of funds, seven years went by before a "proper" memorial stone was erected at the cemetery, where Westlake rests next to her mother.

About two dozen close friends of Westlake joined Rev. Dr. Donald McLeod and Padre Sid Horne at the cemetery for a "memorial stone dedication" ceremony held around the stone.

Westlake's best friend Mildred Jackson could not stand the thought of her best friend not have a fitting tribute and memorial to a life well lived.

Last year, Jackson, started to raise money for a gravestone. She asked close friends and other Quinte West residents who knew Peggy to contribute toward the purchase of a memorial stone.

"Peggy was very much a part of Trenton, as suggested by her nickname Miss Mayor," said Jackson a few minutes before Rev. McLeod began the service.

Jackson said it was important Peggy have a fitting tribute. "It's so important to all her friends. It's our way never to forget a great friend and a great citizen of Trenton,'' she said.

Peggy was born on Feb. 15, 1915. She was a beloved part of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church's family for all of her eighty-seven years. On March 2, 1980, Westlake was honoured by St. Andrew's with a testimonial dinner attended by 250 people. She was also honoured in 1999 by MPP Doug Galt during the International Year of the Older Person and by the Trenton Boy Scouts. Peggy was an honourary member of the Keenagers Seniors 925.

"Peggy was known among her friends and the church community as a warm, affectionate and caring woman," said Rev. McLeod. "As we can all read on her stone, Face to face with Jesus, Peggy will rest in peace, surrounded by our thoughts and love." (end)

Wayne is the gentleman in the white shirt.