On April 19, 2026, Peggy Anne Lackey-Gilbert slipped the surly bonds of earth, reached out her hand, and touched the face of God.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 9th at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home.
She was born and raised in Coldwater, Michigan, where she spent most of her life.
Peggy learned early in life the importance of community service. Alongside her parents, Joe and Marthe’, and her sister Skip, she supported the American Cancer Society, the United Way, and the March of Dimes. Peggy received the Cancer Society’s “Sword of Hope” for her efforts. Through the Coldwater American Legion Post #52, Peggy and her family supported many projects, including fundraisers for the Nurses Scholarship Program, Thanksgiving feasts for veterans from the Battle Creek VA, and Christmas celebrations for children from the State Home. The family was also very active in the Poppy Program, where Peggy and her sister Skip were honored as Poppy Queens together. Peggy and her family also spearheaded programs through the American Legion to support troops serving overseas: Operation Santa Claus, Operation Heart to Heart for Valentine’s Day, and Operation Welcome Home for returning troops.
Peggy’s greatest joy was medicine. She dedicated over 40 years to healthcare, where her nursing career provided many meaningful opportunities. She served as a wound care specialist, worked in infection control, was a nurse administrator for assisted living, a care plan coordinator, and a specialty nurse for the Alzheimer’s unit. Peggy was also an instructor for the Boy Scouts, helping scouts earn badges in Personal Fitness, Lifesaving, and First Aid. She volunteered as a nurse for several years with the Over Forty Baseball Team and gave her time annually at the Au Sable River canoe races, serving as both a “feeder” on the river and part of the medical support team. While stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, Peggy tutored 17 students to graduation as EMTs. She worked in the ER at Ft. Lee and Ft. Pickett in Virginia, and later at Camp Humphreys in Korea, where she was actively involved in the immunization program for village children. Peggy received the distinguished honor of Soldier of the Cycle, having been nominated by her Battalion Commander for her outstanding service to the U.S. Army and the people of South Korea.
Peggy enjoyed many things in her life, including teaching Sunday School, vacationing at Marco Island, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She loved Tiger baseball. While living in Alaska, Peggy excelled at moose evasion and rear-end collisions. She especially loved train rides to Denali National Park. Peggy was a member of St. Charles Church and later The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Peggy leaves behind her beloved and heartbroken husband, Carmie and family: parents Clyde and Beryl; brother Tad and wife Jan; Sister Megan and husband Pat; and Carmie’s sons Travis, Cody, Todd, Spencer and Elliot and wife Jaren; and the only grandchild Elena. She is also survived by her brother John and his wife Nancy, and her sister Skip, her “heart twin” and companion in laughter; and her sister-in-law, Brenda; along with many nieces and nephews. For Erin : Au revoir. Je t’aime, mon ange— your Tante.
Peggy also leaves behind lifelong friends Deborah LaBelle Hannon, Kathy Magoon Macomber, Tall Paul Petrosoff, and Craig Alan Luck Soweers. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joe and Marthe’; her brothers Tom and Rob; her brother-in-law Danny; and her beloved nephew Adam. Peggy’s heart she leaves with you.
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