Obituary of Peggy Brittain

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret Anne “Peggy” Brittain, beloved wife of Jim Brittain, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on August 31, 2024. Born November 21, 1944, in London, England, she was the daughter of the late David and Joyce Blair.

Peggy worked as the Executive Director of MindCare NB and the Assistant Director of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. She volunteered extensively as Mrs. Claus for the Festival of Trees and on the Polar Express with the Children’s Wish Foundation and was on the Board of Directors for the New Brunswick Children’s Foundation. 

Always the hospitable entertainer, Peggy’s face was sure to light up whenever she was surrounded by her friends and family, including her dogs. Her love language was feeding people, and she was rarely seen without a smile on her face. She loved to play Bridge and travel, and her recent trip to Italy was the trip of her lifetime. Despite her recent illness, Peggy remained positive and was a bright light to many. 

In addition to her beloved husband of 45 years, Jim, Peggy is survived by her sons, David Percy (Lina Derkeshli-Percy) and Graham Percy (Jamie Konchak); grandchildren: Freya, Max, Zac, and Thatcher; her close and devoted friends: Leslie, Annie, and Beth; as well as nieces, nephews, and many friends. Predeceased by her children’s father, Ron Percy; her brother, Peter Blair; and close friend, Barb McKenney.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). Family will receive friends and relatives for a time of visitation at Trinity Anglican Church, 115 Charlotte Street, on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 10:30am until 12 noon. The funeral service will follow at 1 pm from Trinity Church, with interment to follow in the Trinty Church Columbarium. 

For those who wish, remembrances to the Peggy Brittain MindCare Endowment Fund or Trinity Anglican Church would be appreciated by the family and may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.

I Worried

I worried a lot.

Will the garden grow,

will the rivers flow in the right direction,

will the earth turn as it was taught,

and if not how shall I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong,

will I be forgiven, can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing,

even the sparrows can do it and I am, well, hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,

am I going to get rheumatism, lockjaw, dementia?

Finally, I saw that worrying had come to nothing.

And gave it up.

And took my old body and went out into the morning,

and sang.

-Mary Oliver