Margaret Helen “Peggy” Leighton (nee House)
May 6, 1928 November 25, 2022
Our amazing Mom has left us, leaving a huge space in our hearts, but also with the comfort of knowing that she is back together with dad forever. Peggy was a true life partner (to David) and an amazing mom to her five children, Andrew, Jenny, Katy, Bruce, Doug, their partners and her ten grandchildren.
Peggy grew up in St. Catharines Ontario, daughter of Jack and Jane (Adie) House and sister to Fran, Sandy and Jane. Her spontaneity and zest for life was always mom’s mantra, and after graduating from Queen’s University, she and Dave moved to Boston, then on to London, Ontario where, besides raising five children, she became active in tennis and the garden club to name a few.
Forever a ‘yes’ woman to new adventure, on two separate occasions Peggy & Dave packed up all five of us!! and moved to Switzerland, where mom was able to truly live out her adventurous spirit, learning to alpine ski alongside dad and her five children. Any chance she could, mom was packing us up in the Volkswagen van to visit surrounding towns and countries!
Leaving a comfortable life in London and moving on to new adventures in Banff in 1970, Peggy became the den mother to any and all of The Banff Centre students and staff, all the while supporting Dave in his role as director of the Banff Centre . Her gatherings were legendary, and she always made extra room at our table for anyone who had nowhere to go for holidays.
She also immersed herself in all things Banff, especially hiking and skiing, often winning the “over 50” ski race at Norquay (being the only woman other than Catherine Whyte willing to admit to her age!) all the while taking arts courses.
After Banff came many wonderful experiences in Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and London, but ultimately mom and dad returned to Canmore to be closer to family and the familiar mountain views from their residence at Origin Spring Creek, where they received the ultimate in love, care, and attention during the past four years.
SPUNKY. ..She never shied away from a challenge and she embraced each and every opportunity life had to offer. Mom, Peg, Peggy, Grandma Peggy, Aunt Peg, you will always be our hero. Xo
