Margaret A. "Peggy" McManus-Gilmette passed away Monday October 10, 2011, surrounded by her children and loved ones after a long and inspirational battle with cancer.
Peggy was the widow of the love of her life Aniceto “Che Che” Gilmette. A tirelessly hard worker Peggy began as a stitcher and worked her way up through college eventually obtaining her Master’s Degree in Social Work and routinely making the Dean’s List. All while providing for and raising her children.
An advocate for others, Peggy was formally employed by Coastline Elderly Services and recently celebrated her 20th anniversary as a Social Worker at St. Luke’s Hospital. While at St. Luke’s, Peggy worked in the Maternity Ward and was instrumental in establishing a bereavement program which included a “scattering garden” located in the Acushnet Cemetery for parents to mourn the loss of their child.
Peggy loved to spend time with her grandchildren, entertaining, shopping and decorating her home. Her fondest memories were growing up with her “Cape Cousins”, the children of the late Peter and Margaret Silvia of Rochester.
Peggy is the daughter of Clarence Santos of Worcester and the late Anna Anastacio of New Bedford and she is predeceased by her sisters Carol Lomba and Patricia Ferreira. She is survived by her children Karen McManus of Randolph, Robert and Karin McManus of Plymouth, and Paul and Sandy McManus of Dartmouth. Peggy leaves seven grandchildren Kristen, Jillian, Jaron, Bryce, Troi, Reece, Jaxson and a great-granddaughter AvaMarie in addition to several nieces and nephews and two half brothers and sisters.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many friends and family that assisted Peggy throughout her illness including Manuel Botelho, May Johnson, Anita Mendes, Pat Vale, Elizabeth Ferreira, Dorothy Pina and Janet Shurtleff and in particular Ivy MacMahon. Last but not least Dexter her loving pet and companion.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 9 AM in the First Church of the Nazarene, 764 Hathaway Rd., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals.