Peggy Jean Lemire Obituary
Peggy Jean Lemire, 75, Bridgman, passed away Thursday, October 31st, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital after a second battle with breast cancer.
Peggy was born in St. Charles, Illinois in 1949 to Margaret Francis (Bails) and Eugene Edgar Murray. She grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois and attended York Community High School, graduating 1967. She attended Triton Community College in River Grove, Illinois.
A passionate Beatles fan, she saw the Fab Four perform more than once in Chicago. At one concert she was close enough to be “sweat on” by favorite heartthrob Paul McCartney. At Comiskey Park she was so far away from the stage that she couldn’t even hear the band over the crowds screaming. We know she was probably screaming the whole time anyway.
In 1971 she married first husband Virgil Bennett and lived briefly in Germany. After several years of trying to have children, they welcomed foster child Richie into their home. The stress of trying to get pregnant eased, Scott, Katy, and Erika eventually followed. A loving mother, fortunate enough to stay home and raise the kids, she was a daily presence in their lives.
Peggy’s religious faith was her greatest source of inspiration and comfort all her life. She led Bible Study Fellowship meetings for decades and proudly headed the local Christian Women’s Club for several years in the 1980s and 90s. She always loved going to church and relished the connections she made there. Because of this, she often reminded us not to feel sadness at her passing. She was excited to join Jesus and her loved ones in heaven.
A lifelong dancer, she met husband Rich Lemire on the dance floor in 2004. Rich has been a godsend in her life. A calming, steady influence from the start, they were married in 2008. Together they spent many happy years doting on their pets and enjoying a beautiful connection.
One cannot think of Peggy’s face without remembering her smiling. Always happy go lucky, she was an optimist even in the face of heartbreak, childhood trauma, and loss. She and her smile will be sorely missed.
Peggy is survived by her husband, Richard Lemire Jr.; children, Scott Bennett (wife Melanie Bennett), Katy Farmer, and Erika Gaston (husband Ryon Gaston); grandchildren, Veronica Bennett, Autumn Bennett, Trinity Patric, Amara Patric, Trinity Bennett, Skylynn Gaston, and Miles Farmer; brother, Mike Murray (wife Diane Murray), and beloved pets, Zoe and Muffy. She was preceded in death by her son, Richie Bennett; grandson, Tristan Bennett; granddaughter, Faith Gaston; brothers, Richard Murray and Patrick Murray.
Visitation for the public is Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 2-4pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, MI. The memorial service will be held at 4pm at the funeral home with Pastor Chris Spitters officiating.
Memorial donations may be made in Peggy’s name to the First Church of God in St. Joseph, MI, 2627 Niles Avenue. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
