Margaret Bridget Chappell, 53, of Ventura, CA passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer at her home. Peggy was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing into Heaven.
The following paragraphs were spoken by Margaret, otherwise known as Peggy, in the months preceding her departure. As per her words...
"Margaret Bridget Chappell-Lownes, also known as Peggy Chappell or Peggy Lownes, was born on October 2, 1962 in a South Amboy Hospital, in South Amboy, NJ. My parents, both predeceased me, Raymond G. Lownes Jr. and Rita A. Lownes-Sears.
"I started out my life as most children do, curious and affectionate. So my only dreams were to be happy, none of which in those 53 years could I obtain until the 53rd year of being present on this earth. I am also survived by three siblings, two sisters and a brother, but if you are interested in their lives you will have to read about them in their own obituaries, for they will not be mentioned in mine.
"We moved to California in 1975, due to a transfer, that's what my dad used to call it, from his position on Wall Street to Canoga Park, CA, where more than one time he called the street Se Pul Ve Da, not Sepulveda. I went to Hughes Junior High, graduated in 1977. Started Chaminade College Preparatory. Don't forget college preparatory was not in lieu of high school, it was college preparatory. My mother would have you know that. Graduated with that class in 1980. For high school I graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory in 1980. Once graduating from college my life ebbed and flowed in search of the only dream I ever had, and that was to be happy. I flowed mostly then ebbed because the further I got away from my reality, the better I got to be free!"
Tracy, one of Peggy's best friends will finish the remaining.
Peggy went to college in Santa Barbara and also resided in Texas. She returned to California where she worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. She moved to Ventura in 2006 to fulfill a dream of becoming a hairdresser. Peggy had many loves in her life. Three of the most important ones were her birds, Alvin and Oliver, and her dog, Auggie. She loved sewing, games, art, crafts, poetry, and wine. She had beautiful penmanship. She loved to dance and karaoke. She was never afraid to have fun. One thing many people don't know about Peggy is that she loved to cook. She especially loved making soda bread. I'm not sure where she got that recipe but it was the best soda bread anyone could ever ask for.
Peggy has traveled and met people all over the world. She seldom lost contact with any of them. If you met Peggy, she was your friend. She loved to socialize. She had amazing wit, humor, and charm. She didn't have a mean bone in her body, only funny ones. Peggy was a godparent to many children. All of the kids loved her, she was their "Cookie." They had the best time with their Aunt Cookie. They were so lucky to have the most Perfect Aunt in the world. Our Dear Peggy was the most loving and giving person. She was the most forgiving person I know. She was so strong, a true fighter. It was amazing what her little body could endure fighting this cancer. She is amazing!
Peggy wanted me to thank all of her friends for coming to her birthday parties in October. Thank you for the gifts, loving her, and being a part of her life. She loves you all.
Peggy will continue to survive in the hearts of many friends and family.
All of us friends are not sure how we will go on without our beloved Peggy. But, boy, are we blessed to have had such a beautiful person in our lives. She has made us all better people. She has taught us to live, love, laugh, forgive, and fight for what we want. All she wanted was to be loved, and that, she was...
Visitation and rosary will be held at JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME in Ventura on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 4:00-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, in Ventura, CA. Celebration of life to follow at the Elks Lodge.
I would like to share with you some words that Peggy wrote to a friend she loved. She has expressed these words to many of us:
"Life is a journey. We each have a path on this earth and lessons to learn. In the last 5 years I have learned more about myself and who I really am that I ever thought possible. I have found the happiness and peace I have been searching for all of my life. It feels wonderful. I encourage you to pursue your dreams, whatever they are. Never give up. This is your journey, the ride of your life! There are no "do overs!" Hold your head high. You will make mistakes, we all do, but let them teach you their lessons. Always move forward, there is no future in the past!"