Margaret (Peggy) Ruth Byford

March 22nd, 1947 - January 6th, 2004

Margaret Ruth Byford died Tuesday, January 6, 2004, at her home in Wrangell after a long battle with cancer.

She was born March 22, 1947 in Staten Island, NY. She met her husband Burrel Byford while vacationing in Alaska. They were married September 5, 1970 in her hometown of Staten Island. They moved back to Wrangell in the spring of 1971 after a brief stay in Spokane, WA.

Peggy worked as a Certified Nurse's Aide, legal secretary and was a commercial fisherman on her own gillnetter. She hiked the Chilkoot Trail and crossed the Gulf of Alaska in a small boat. Her hobbies included family and friends as well as birch bark basket weaving, gardening, nature watching, and developing their land at Thom's Place She attracted good people to her gentle soul and touched many lives.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and William Raymond. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Burrel Byford, sons Shawn Byford and William Byford, daughter-in-law Caroline Byford (William), and her granddaughter Bronwen Byford (William). She leaves behind many dear friends as well. She will be missed.

According to Peggy's wishes a memorial service was held at Thom's Place in the spring of 2004.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.