Here are messages that have been shared so far. Thank you for your support.
Ned and I are very sorry to hear of Peg's passing. We extend our condolences to the entire family. She was a wonderful human being.
The Nichols family in Westford VT share a common property boundary with us ( Barb Peck and Ned Meehan ). Ned bought some equipment from Peg after Bill died, and I always bought my grain for my horses at Oliver seed.
We have a long 40 year history with the Nichols ( Peg and Bill) who have been wonderful neighbors!
From Barb Peck and Ned Meehan
Just heard, we are so sorry, will be in touch
Betty met Peg in college and Joan was a lifelong friend.
From Bill and Betty Hine and Joan Knight
I am very sorry to hear of Peg's passing. You are all in my thoughts at this sad time.
Peg is my daughter's mother-in-law! I'm always sorry that there's no other way to talk about this connection--some special word to describe the relationship. In any case, we've had many years of sharing the wonderful marriage of our children and their children. I've really enjoyed knowing her through these years.
I have no particular memory to share but was delighted to be able to attend some of the busy Thanksgiving feasts at her home in Westford. She always felt like a deeply caring and loving person.
From Sheena Macpherson
My heart aches for the whole Nichols family, and I am keeping you all in my thoughts during this time.
I first met Peg in 1982 when I lived next door to Sharon at MHC. Peg and Will quickly became "Next-door Roomie Mom and Dad", the cool parents.
So many awesome memories-when this suburban girl first visited Westford (feeding the cows! cooking on the wood stove, conversations around the kitchen table), sailing on Daisy, (bikini in a bag, anyone?), family celebrations at Pooduck... Peg always had such a warm calm presence, she had gift of making me feel welcome from the first moment I met her. Peg will be missed by all whose lives she touched, and may her memory be a blessing.
From Nancy Baker Fowler
Heartfelt condolences
I attended graduate school at UVM with Sharon & got to know her family quite well over the seven years I was in Vermont.
Peg, and Will, invited me to spend holidays with the family when I was unable to return to Wisconsin to see my own family. They made me feel at home and part of their family - I was so grateful that I did not have to spend the holidays alone. I lived in Westford, not far from Peg & loved spending time at the farm. Peg opened up her home & her heart to me. I also immensely enjoyed spending time with the family in Maine - where I learned to eat lobster properly! 🦞
From Vicki Weller
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your mom and grandmother. She was an amazing person, and I know you will miss her very much.
I lived in Westford for 20 years and raised my family there. I served on the school board with Peggy for a few years. I admired her greatly. She was a warm and wise woman, genuinely interested in people and respectful of everyone. A good listener. An intelligent and gentle leader.
From Sally Ballin
All the Nichols, I share your sadness at this time. Life gets short when you get into your 80's and something is going to take us. I'm glad that Peg had, with the help of Hospice, a peaceful passing. Uncle Jack.
I had hoped to meet with Peg last Fall, but my illness intervened. She will be sorely missed by us all. Wonderful pleasant times were had on several visits to Peg's homes in Vermont and Maine. One of my fondest memories involved our families visit to Nantucket for the 50th anniversary of the Parker grandparents. Father Will came in his full leg cast for the rupture of his Achilles tendon (which is memorable to me as we both had to fit in this small plane from Boston) and Peg and the kids produced this famous saga of the Voyage across the stormy English Channel. This has been reproduced in the Furman family a number of times! Anyway, this a sad event and I send my love and compassion to you at this time. I'm not gone yet, and I hope to get North on a visit sometime in the foreseeable near future. Uncle Jack.
From Uncle Jack.
So sorry to hear about Peg’s passing. She was a wonderful person and hard worker.
I first met Peg in 80’s when in planning commission in Milton. She presented her plans for upgrading L.D. Oliver’s seed and fertilizer mixing. She was extremely well versed Business woman. Then later she employed my daughter Kate to mark the bags for L. D.’s new blends of seed and fertilizer. She was always so welcoming and encouraging. Then after turn of century she asked me to do some upgrades to her home. I worked as a carpenter as me listened to what upgrades she wanted me to do. She was always so appreciative of any work I had done for her. She had very good sense of design and knew what she liked.
She liked the Christmas cookies my wife made and I delivered.
From Rick Hamilton
I was sorry to learn of Peg's death. She was indeed a speciial person. I hope your fond memories give you comfort at this sad time.
My first connection with Peg was when she was on the school board. One year, early in my time in Westford, the school budget was defeated by a small number of votes. I didn't want to accept that result so I called Peggy (as I called her then). My father-in-law had suggested reconsideratioin so I talked it over with her and she gave me sound advice. She needed to stay behind the scenes but I organizaed a group of folks who were also concerned, we petitioned for reconsideration and we leafleted every house in tow to explain our position. The vote to reconsider passed and then the school budget passed. It was again VERY close but we got the result we wanted and Peggy was pleased. One or two years later i was encouraged to run for the school board and I had the honor and priviledge of serving with Peggy for several years. She was always my mentor and I appreciated all the wisdom she shared with me. We lost touch over time but she will always hold a special place in my heart. I've had occasion to have interactions with two of her children, Nick and Sharon. Sharon was my childrens' favorite swimming lesson teacher and babysat for them a few times. My interactions with Nick have largely been in the legislature. You were both special to me because of Peggy. I will always think of Peg as the person who gave me my start in public service in Westford.
I think I've already covered this.
From Martha Heath
I am so sorry to hear of Peggys passing. I worked for her for years and learned more from her than any school could have taught. My condolences to you all.
From Wanda
I loved Peg!
My only connection to her was LD Oliver and the minute she was no longer there everything changed and it was never the same!
I still remember the shock on both of our faces when she calculated how many bags I would need for 2" of mulch on a given square footage. It was so over the top, she did the math a 2nd time but it was unfortunately accurate. It still brings a smile to my face when I think of it.
From Linda
So sorry to hear this news, my condolences! I will forever remember the excitement of Thanksgiving with the Nichols family. Peg always welcomed us in with such warmth. Take good care, Narain
From Narain Schroeder
Peg was the most gracious and fair person that I have ever worked for. I truly admired her. My deepest sympathy with your loss.
I managed Depot Home and Garden for 5 years.
From Dina Marcotte
My heart goes out to the whole beautiful Nichols family. I can't help but marvel at the incredible circle of wonderful people that Peg and Will created. And then that circle grew as her children married wonderful people and on and on. Your matriarch was stellar, grounded, open-minded, competent, hardworking and most of all LOVING. You were/are blessed; and so am I for knowing her. Please let me know if I can help in any way XOXO
I met Peg and Will back in 1989 sailing on Daisy along with Sharon and Steve. I saw her walking across the parking lot in her denim shorts and a tie dyed tee shirt and couldn't believe this awesome woman was the Mom of my adult friend. I remember her, that day and always, being so warm, friendly and calm. These were the years before we all had children and there were occasions sailing when I met Sue, Nick and Jeff. I loved the way Peg listened to her children and was curious about their young adult lives. She emanated a feeling of safety and maternal love. She was so special in this way. I'm not sure I've met anyone else with this quality... well, except maybe for her children (!) Over the last 34 years I have had the good fortune of attending birthday parties, baby showers, weddings alongside Peg. It was always a pleasure to be in her presence and I will miss her.
I have a sweet memory of sailing on the 4th of July in Burlington harbor. After the fireworks ended and it was quite dark, I recall sitting across from Peg who had ~3 yr old Christina on her lap as we slowly motored back. It was a quiet and peaceful ride. The lights from other boats were sparkling all around us and the breeze was warm. I found myself watching the silhouette of Peg leaning in and listening to every detail as Christina told a long, meandering and adorable tale of some sort. I never forgot that sweet image and I'll never forget sweet Peg
From Diana Reilly