Obituary: Margaret “Peggy” Walbridge, 1932-2024

Peggy
Walbridge, age 91, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, after
a brief illness. Peggy was a beloved mother and grandmother, a
cherished friend, and a pillar of strength to all who knew her.

She
was born in Jefferson, Maine, the beloved daughter of the late Rev.
Caroll and Eva Tripp, who raised her primarily in Montpelier and
Burlington, Vt. She graduated from Burlington High School, class of
1950, and the University of Vermont, with a degree in history and
political science. After an early career in teaching, Peggy later
shifted into working with the elderly as a senior advocate with
Champlain Valley Agency on Aging; with Cathedral Square, where she
was the first manager of Heineberg Senior Housing; and as a volunteer
with the Alliance for Retired Americans.

She
is survived by her children, Bruce (Julie) Walbridge and Lisa (Erik)
Drake; and her grandchildren, Ben (Becca) Walbridge, Zachary
Walbridge (Katie Berke), Cameron Walbridge, Evan Drake and Alex
Drake. Peggy also leaves behind cherished longtime friends Robert and
Courtney Gourley and a host of dear friends from the Pines community,
with whom she shared joy and companionship for the past eight years.

Her
family thanks the team at McClure Miller Respite House, who lovingly
understood her needs and provided compassionate care in her final
days.

To
honor her memory, a service will be arranged at a later date by her
family. Her spirit, kindness and strength will continue to live on in
the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

This article appears in Oct 9-15, 2024.