Worcester—Margaret Vivian (Layte) Bilske, 81, formerly of Uncatena Avenue, died on Thursday, May 25, 2006 in UMass Hospital – University Campus surrounded by her close family members. She was born on Oct. 11, 1924 in Worcester, daughter of the late Sidney M. and Minnie (Menchinton) Layte. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1942. “Peggy” is survived by her daughters, Karen Haynes-Dvareckas of Rutland and Carolyn Johnson of Boylston, her brother Edwin (Ted) Layte of Auburn, five grandchildren, Matthew and Beth Haynes and Sarah-Kate, Luke, and Leslie Johnson as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, H. Russell Layte, Elizabeth Norquist Reardon, and Sidney L. Layte. She attended All Saints Episcopal Church and was a member of its St. Cecilia Choir and church school. In 1960 she joined St. Michael’s On-the-Heights Episcopal Church and was a member of the choir, vestry, fair committee, prayer group, altar guild and was a choir and acolyte “mother.” Most recently she had served as assistant treasurer. She worked for the City of Worcester for many years and held positions in the cafeteria department, auditing/payroll and retired from the payroll department at the former Worcester City Hospital. Peggy’s one true love in life was music. She worked in Arnold’s and Ladd’s Music stores which were popular in the 1940’s – 1970’s, and knew many local jazz musicians on a first-name basis. In the 1940’s she was an active member of the USO. She was a charter member of Sweet Adeline’s Inc. Post Road Chapter where she made hundreds of costumes and met some of her most beloved friends. She had a beautiful voice and loved to play the piano.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 30, from 5-8 p.m. at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s On-the-Heights, 340 Burncoat Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to St. Michael’s On-the-Heights, Memorial Fund marked “Tatro Hall.” For directions and on-line guestbook, please visit:
NordgrenMemorialChapel.com