Margaret Jean "Peggy" Sanderson
May 22, 1949 – August 17, 2026
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Peggy.
Peggy was raised on the Frohman farm on Tuscarora Road, graduated from Hamilton Teachers College in 1969, and taught at Six Nations and other reserves for 35 years, ending her career as Vice Principal at JC Hill Elementary School in 2004. Teaching was her passion and her joy, and she inspired generations of students to become their best selves.
Outside the classroom, she was equally devoted to her family. Peggy was a pillar of strength: she leaves behind her best friend and husband of 52 years, Rick, her sons Marc (Aimee) and Ian, her grandchildren Evangeline and Henry, her sisters Susan and Ann, and her nephews Rick (Jennie), Eric (Michelle), and Joel (Vanessa). She is also survived by many cousins, colleagues, and cherished friends. Peggy is predeceased by her parents Elam and Ruby Frohman, brother Jack, sister Carole, brothers-in-law Roland and Don, and her nephew Dwayne (Andrea).
Peggy loved to travel, play Scrabble, and take care of our family, who ranged far and wide, from California to Colorado, Ohsweken to Ottawa.
We will always remember Peggy's laughter, and her quiet concern for the people she loved. She was tender but fierce, resilient, and caring. She had a gift for small, thoughtful gestures — a properly buttered piece of toast (all the way to the edge, of course), warm lemon water with honey when you were unwell, a bouquet sent just because you needed cheering up. She spoke about how neat it would be to open a breakfast diner called "To the Edge”, and got a kick out of the idea of a pub called "The Furry Pig."
Peggy was a wonderful travel companion, always planning the next adventure — from afternoons on the penny slot machines to trips that took her family far and wide. Generous and compassionate, she took care of the people around her and made sure there was a lot of fun along the way.
A Service of Remembrance will take place at Ohsweken Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 26 at 2:00pm, with a Reception to follow at JC Hill Elementary School from 3:30-6:00pm. All friends and family are warmly welcomed at both gatherings, to celebrate Peggy.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Myeloma Canada or Hospice Care Ottawa would be gratefully appreciated.
Condolences
Posted by
Laura Hill
on
Aug 23rd, 2026
Sincere condolences to Peggy’s family.
I always knew her as Ms. Sanderson — my favourite elementary school teacher. She taught me in grade 2, and was a joy to learn from. I remember her wonderful music lessons, and that she wore these black shiny shoes with charms on them, and she’d let me check out the charms when we were on the floor learning her songs! A small memory but it just sticks in my mind when I think about how welcoming and comfortable her class was. She always had such small and big ways of bringing joy to her students. I will never forget all the holidays she made special and how kind she was to me. She’d even ask my mom how I was doing when she saw her around Ohsweken once I was grown. I’m so sorry to your family for this loss. She was a special person.
Posted by
Carol (Wright) Birnie
on
Aug 23rd, 2026
So sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing away. I remember her from high school and what I remember most was her smile and her laugh . Condolences to her family.
Posted by
Bernie Boyd
on
Aug 23rd, 2026
So sorry for each of you who are mourning Peggy Sanderson. Although I never had the privilege of meeting her she sounds like a beautiful well-loved lady. Praying each of you will know the peace and comfort that I am sure she will want you to have
Love
Aunt Bernie
Posted by
Tim & Bonnie Hill
on
Aug 23rd, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Peggy's passing. She was my grade 7 homeroom teacher.I loved her smile and that wonderful laugh.We extend our prayers and condolences to the family.
Posted by
Darlene Maracle
on
Aug 24th, 2026
Peggy was an amazing teacher! My son had her as a teacher and i remember she always took her time with him.
RIP lovely lady!
Posted by
Lori Harris
on
Aug 24th, 2026
Condolences to Mrs. Sanderson's family. I'll always remember her as my music teacher with her pitch pipe. Me,me,me Thank you for the love of music that I carried into adulthood. ~ Lori Martin Harris
Posted by
Anne (Doughty) McMillan
on
Aug 24th, 2026
Peggy and I were friends at Hagersville High School and shared a common love of music.She was always very particular about her appearance and dressed impeccably. Imagine her consternation when her Grade 13 chemistry partner carelessly lit a Bunsen burner and singed her hair! Thankfully she was not injured, probably due to the very quick action of our wonderful teacher, Don Hill. Sadly, we lost touch with each other after secondary school, especially since we both became elementary teachers who taught music. My condolences to Peggy’s family. May she rest in peace.
