Edith M. (Manchester) Peckham, 98, of Westport, MA passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late Wentworth Peckham.
Mrs. Peckham was born in Fall River, MA daughter of the late Philip Manchester Sr. and the late Dorothy (Albert) Manchester and had been a lifelong resident of Westport, MA. She was the last surviving member of her Westport High School graduating Class of 1943. Prior to retirement, she worked as a real estate broker for Codman Co. of Boston, MA, Badger Real Estate of N. Conway, NH, and Country and Coastal Properties of Little Compton, RI. She enjoyed traveling, walking her dogs and gardening. Edith described herself as a proud Yankee and indeed she was self-reliant and persevering. Her grit and profound commitment to family began early in life when she took responsibility for four younger brothers because of their mother’s incapacitating illness. Her commitment to family never wavered. She never forgot a birthday or failed to acknowledge achievements of family members. Edith’s memory was exceptional, and she became the go to person for history of family, the second World War, the ’38 hurricane and Westport events. “The more the merrier” describes Edith’s philosophy regarding life. She welcomed visitors, was a second mother to neighborhood children, and was always happy to set another place at the table. Known as “speedy Edy” to many Westport residents, she valued independence and regretted having to give up driving in her 90’s.
She was well known for her Christmas caramels and quahog chowder. Mrs. Peckham was an accomplished knitter, quilter, Nantucket basket maker and needlepointer. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Survivors include her children: Harold "Sandy" Lawton, Jr. and his partner Kathryn Baylis of Conway, AR, Deborah Ladd and her husband Carleton of Little Compton, RI, Richard M. Lawton and his wife Virginia of Omaha, NE, Ann L. Squire and her late husband Richard of Westport, MA, and David Peckham and his wife Jennifer of Westport, MA; 2 brothers: Dean S. Manchester of Landrum, SC, and Richard Manchester of Westport; 11 grandchildren: Anne Kubik, Benjamin Squire, Alexander Squire, Gwenn Peckham, Brent Peckham, Taylor Lawton, Tucker Lawton, Ashley Lawton, Jennifer Rojas, Susan Allen and Nick Lawton; along with many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was the grandmother of the late Cabot R. Squire and Frank L. Kubik, sister of the late Alan Manchester and Philip Manchester, Jr. and former wife of the late Harold Lawton, Sr.
The Family wishes to extend their gratitude to Valerie Viera and Marci Stevenson for the exceptional care they gave to Mrs. Peckham.
Memorial service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Congregational Church, Little Compton, RI.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stay at Home in Little Compton, General Fund, P.O. Box 353, Little Compton, RI 02837.