Independent spirit who put family first

With all her wit and senses intact, Peggy was called home to be with Jesus, surrounded by her children on January 11, 2022, at DHMC after battling congestive heart failure.

Peggy was the first of four children to be born in August of 1950 to the late Walter and Margaret Chernouski of Chester VT. Peggy grew up in Chester attending all levels of school and graduating 1969 from the Chester High School. Upon entering the work force she started at Flamsteads in Chester Village. Working with her best friend, Mary, who's friendship was very dear to her. At lunch the girls could walk home to eat and watch the Young and the Restless which would become a staple in Peggy's life for all the years to follow. She often joked that she knew more about the show than the actors did as she had watched it for over 50 years.

Peggy met Dennis Reynells in 1970. Two years later they were married and in 1975 they had their first child, a girl, Ameigh. Then in 1978 a boy, Nicholas. Despite a young family, sometimes things don't work out and sadly, they were divorced in 1980. New beginnings started a year later, that is when Peggy met Wayne Reed, a farmer and craftsmen from Woodstock. Soon they had a son in 1983, named Wayne Jr. Together they raised the three kids as their own and built a happy life on the farm. Farm life never slows, and hard work abounds. Peggy and Wayne instilled this into their kids and responsibility was given as they matured. Peggy always accounted for the demands of a farm and helped with all aspects of it, from haying to firewood and all the critters in-between. She looked out for them all. It was probably in this timeframe that she started to have heart problems just due to the stress of making sure all was ok. She was always worried about the dangers involved with this lifestyle and she would emphasize the outlines of safety to the entire family. She loved her family so much and would go to any measure to protect them.

With family, friends, and farming comes big meals too. Peggy would go above and beyond with all the meals. The Holidays were always filled with amazing food, cakes, pies, homemade rolls, you name it she could bake it. Her cinnamon roll was a secret success that may never be repeated.

Friend and family admired Peggy for providing end of life care for her Mother-in-law, Julia and later her husband, Wayne. She became Wayne's caregiver in the winter of 1996 after he had a stroke. She would brave tirelessly for Wayne to make him happy until sadly he would pass due to kidney failure in August of 2002 a day before her birthday.

All of her life Peggy had a guiding Shepard and that was the lord Jesus Christ. For decades her fridge boasted a sign stating, "The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear?" And with that she played her ball as it lied. Never expecting the rules to be bent for personal gains or greed. She was an honest, loving, believer all her life and would not shy away from saying "Don't take the Lord's name in vain" when things could get salty as they do sometimes. Peggy was a faithful Christian; she dearly loved her Christian family at Renewed Life in Jesus Church.

Peggy loved life. She especially enjoyed animals. Always surrounded by her cats and dogs is how she liked it. Many birds would appreciate her diligence in maintaining her feeders. Chickadees were probably her favorite but how thrilled was she just last year to have a returning cardinal. She would find peace and happiness in this and would teach her grandchildren how to identify the different birds. With the birds come the squirrels and she could definitely get spicy while trying to shoo them away. She could never harm another living thing though, as she respected the balance of nature. She was a very kind and realistic person who would often say "Be patient God isn't finished with you yet" or "Growing old is not for wimps". No matter the case, whether good or bad she always had the stamina to keep on trucking and if you want something in life bad enough you will find a way to get it.

The entire core of Peggy's soul revolved around her family. This was most important to her always. She took much pride in how she raised her flock. When grandchildren started arriving, she only felt more devotion and love than ever before. Peggy loved having her daughter's family next door and spending time with them, especially the grandchildren. From learning ABC's to Nintendo Wii, Peggy would do anything to savor the family life. Most recently Peggy spent her days caring for her youngest granddaughters. She loved to play cards, especially hand and foot. We all know that she looks down on us and feels accomplished with her choices.

Peggy leaves behind her son Nick, his wife Lynn; son Wayne Jr.; A daughter, Ameigh, her husband Jake and six grandchildren, Randie, Joshua, Emma, Caleigh, Rilyn & Isla-Mae; all of whom she lovingly helped to raise, devoting her days to their care. Her niece Rebecca who she remained close with her entire life; A brother, Jeffery, and a sister Louann; As well as her beloved cat, Max. And too many family and friends to mention here. Aside from her parents and grandparents she is predeceased by her brother Fred, her husbands, and many other loved one's human and animal alike.

Arrangements are handled by Cabot Funeral Home, a grave-side service and memorial will be planned for this summer.

Donations in Peggy's name can be made to Renewed Life in Jesus Church, P.O. Box 352, Chester, VT

An on-line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com