Magretha (Peggy) Agnes Mathieson

Our beloved mother, Magretha (Peggy) Agnes Mathieson passed away on Monday, December 23, 2019. Peggy, as she was well known to her friends, was born in San Fernando, Trinidad to Amy and David Campbell Mathieson.  She later migrated to British Guyana with her mother.  In Guyana, she grew up with her loving grandmother.  Her grandmother’s profession was a nurse and Peggy would go on to follow in her footsteps.

While in British Guyana, Peggy had two children, a son, Terrance and a daughter, Angela.  She grew up having the desire to be a nurse. Later, she and her husband would have to move to London, England so Peggy could attend nursing school. This meant leaving the children behind in British Guyana with her mother and grandmother as they establish themselves in London, England. After completing her nursing education in England, she was able to bring her children over from British Guyana. Several years later, she gave birth to her second daughter, Michelle.  Her mother, Amy would leave British Guyana and join her in England to help her with the new baby.

As her nursing career was flourishing for many years, she was granted an opportunity that she could not refuse.  There was a nursing shortage in the United States and they were recruiting nurses from abroad and Peggy was chosen.  She felt this was an excellent opportunity for herself and family; but once again she would have to leave her children with her mother in England while she became established in Boston, Massachusetts.  After a year and a half, she was reunited with son and youngest daughter as well as her mother.  Her eldest daughter, Angela, was married and living in Germany with her husband who was in the military.

Peggy worked tirelessly at Jewish Memorial Hospital and made an abundance of friends whom she loved and cared for as if they were family.  The connection was instant with many because they were immigrants just like herself and this relationship has remained even after her passing. She was always a tower of strength for many including her eldest daughter, who lost her own husband during his military time at such an early age and also had a young baby herself.  She advised her daughter to move to Boston so she could have help with her grandson, Ryan and so they did.

Peggy worked hard, but she always tried to have balance. She traveled, enjoyed entertaining, loved to listen to her Caribbean music, gardening, socializing; playing with her cats. Of course, she also loved her cuisine; but she gave unconditionally and brought laughter to everyone. After she retired, she continued to travel, spend time with family and friends and just did what she wanted to do and that made her happy. Although Peggy had health issues, she never complained and had so much faith because she believed wholeheartedly in the Lord and believed in the power of prayer. In 2016, Peggy had fallen in her home in which she was hospitalized and then sent to rehab to strengthen her muscles.

 She lived with her Angelar who was a Flight Attendant and traveled a lot.  The doctors had advised that she not be left alone for too long because they were afraid she would fall again. She had caregivers but no one would be there for 24 hours a day. Her daughter, Michelle lived in Atlanta, Georgia and after much discussion; Peggy made the decision to move to Atlanta.  This was a hard decision because she spent the majority of her life in Boston and had community, friendship, and family; but she knew it was best for her. Once she relocated, she always stayed in contact with those she left behind in Boston.

She enjoyed her life in Atlanta. She had her daughter, a son-in-law whom she adored and two grandchildren that were the apple of her eyes.  She had caregivers that fell in love with her immediately and she enjoyed her outings with them. Few people knew the extent to which she struggled with excruciating pain that worsened over time.  Her joy for life kept her pushing through the pain until she couldn’t anymore. Mom loved the Lord and always had faith and that is what kept her with us. We thank the Lord, Our God, and Savior for sharing her with us.  We have truly been Blessed and we will miss you Magretha (Peggy) Agnes Mathieson more than you will ever know.  WE LOVE YOU!

Peggy was preceded in death by both parents: Amy Campbell Mathieson and David Campbell Mathieson sister: Norma Ivy Hughes and brother: Rudolph Campbell Mathieson Peggy is survived by her daughters, Angela Gordon and Michelle Manuel; son, Terrence Dundas, grandchildren, Ryan Gordon, Chantasia Manuel, Jordan Manuel and Two Great Grandchildren and One Great Great Grandson as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and family, and friends.

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