Margaret "Peggy" Smith

Margaret “Peggy” M. Smith, aged 75 of Holland Ohio left us at the end of the day Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Peggy was born in Toledo on July 3, 1948, to Margaret (Flower) Redman, Frank Redman, and proud big brother Frankie. Her father suddenly passed in 1956 when she was 8 years old and attending St. Agnes Elementary. In 1958, her mother married William Manders. Her family grew to include brothers Bill and John, and twin sisters Louise and Linda. She then attended St. Vincent De Paul, and Woodward High Schools. Peggy went on to earn her Bachelor of Education degree, she attended Mary Mance College, The Ohio State University, and The University of Toledo during the tumultuous late 60’s, early 70’s. Peggy taught school and worked at the neighborhood Ontario store which is where she met and married the absolute love of her life, Robert Smith. Opposite do attract. Their bonds were strong, their love, deep, unbreakable, and profound. They truly completed one another. When their beautiful boy, Rob made his surprise entrance into the world in July of 1975, their family experienced indescribable joy. Despite their excitement, they endured unthinkable unrest. With grace, despite naysayers, cynics, and racial biases, the aptly nick-named “nicest girl in the world,” remained steadfast in her love for her little family. They shared a unique and lasting love, a powerful bond which forever connects them. Together they helped change the world with never-ending quiet strength and courage of conviction. They demonstrated that love is love; happiness is not about money, instead it is about family, sharing love, laughter and tears together. It is Peggy’s gift and legacy to the world. Peggy held many jobs including cashier, bookkeeper, service desk operator, and warehouse picker at Ontario, Cub Foods, Farmer Jack’s, and Walgreens. She was a loving and treasured childcare giver to many: Christine (niece), Jared (nephew), Natalie (friend Sandy’s daughter), Charlie & Jenny (neighbors). She was a loyal friend to many, who enjoyed traveling and celebrating life’s milestones. She stood up for friends at their weddings. Her favorite, most life-changing and rewarding role was as mother to Rob. She was immensely proud of her son. She was unable to contain her abundant love for him, telling everyone about him. She treasured sharing photos of him as well as stories about his childhood, his skills for music and writing, how talented thoughtful he is, and how very happy he made her. After losing Robert in 2006, Peggy was lost and lonely without him. She grieved and was depressed for many long years resulting in more health issues. Peggy lived alone for several years before moving into assisted living at Astor House. She loved it there. She had an adorable apartment, made many new friends and enjoyed the activities, crafts, games and visits from family and friends. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She relished the Manders Family Christmas Eves and her annual Birthday celebration simply because they were opportunities to be together with family and friends and to smile, laugh, and share love. Peggy was a pure, genuinely sweet, loving, beautiful person. She never stopped teaching. The last lessons she shared are that to love freely and deeply is an undeniable treasure unlike any other. The hurt that accompanies lost love is indescribable, very difficult to bear, yet so worth the pain. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert D. Smith (2006); father, Frank Redman (1956); mother, Margaret M. Flower Redman Manders (1996), dad, William J Manders (1975); and dear friend Brenda ‘Jacob’ Murphy. Peggy is survived by her son Robert Smith of Detroit, brother Frank Redman (Pat) of NC, brothers Bill Manders (Toni) of Waterville, and John Manders (Ileen) of Point Place, and twin sisters, Louise Manders, and Linda Kerul (Joe) both of Toledo, OH; nieces and nephews Stephanie ‘Redman’ Friess (Mark), Christine Redman, James Manders, John David Manders, Josh Manders, Jared Manders, and Emily Kerul; great-nephew, Tyler Baker; great-nieces, Chelsea Baker and Makiah Manders; many cousins and life-long friend Sandy ‘Tursky’ Cventinovic, friends from Cub’s, Farmer Jack’s and Walgreens especially Sherry and Letecia, and her Astor House buddies. Peggy will be sincerely and deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, it was Peggy’s wish that if it moves your heart, contribute to the Civil/Human Rights organization of your choice, or to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Friends are invited to visit from 12:00pm to 2:00pm Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, where a celebration of Peggy's life will commence at 2:00pm.

Margaret "Peggy" Smith

July 3, 1948 - June 5, 2024