Peggy - A Matchmaker for Communities
We met Peggy more than 20 years ago at a friend’s party. Here was this beautiful woman with huge blue eyes, a soothing voice, easy conversational skill and a warm disposition. While chatting, I told her I was playing in a band called “The Pennyloafers” who performed for nursing homes, especially around the holidays. She suggested that I meet her husband, Tony, who is a fine trumpet player (West Point Military Band, pilot, etc_). and suggested that he might be interested in joining. Within moments of knowing her, she had given me an important connection. Tony joined The Pennyloafers band and then became band leader. More importantly, Tony and Peggy became close friends. My husband, Sheldon Cotler, and I had been “Peggy Matched.”
Peggy was the most amazing matchmaker. In her gracious intuitive way, she scoped out people she met. She penetrated the person in front of her, figured out what they were like, and how they would fit in with the personality of others. Everyone benefited from her skill and she delighted in making connections. I can’t imagine Peggy and Tony’s address book, it must be thousands of pages long, single spaced, and inclusive with many wonderful people. Although not my intent to talk about Tony, he was her equal and soulmate in all ways. They shared in all expansions of love and life.
Through her matchmaking, she weaved associations, provided helpful referrals, linked people with each other and expanded a sense of community. She was resourceful and thoughtful in her introductions. She created social gatherings about issues on “Aging” and formed a “Soiree” dinner group where we discussed documentaries and enjoyed potluck dinner together. Her abilities helped with Community 2000 and its successor Community2gether, initiating efforts to address the needs of people with disabilities. She actively participated in fund raisers for women’s health issues. Despite profound physical challenges in her later years, Peggy moved forward and planned for future. She was a tiger. She never gave in.
Perhaps, her most profound influences were realized in her roles as a mentor, therapist, and/or friend. She salved many painful personal issues, articulated hopeful direction and helped so many. Those of us blessed to know her, also knew that Peggy would understand our issues and would be able to intuit how to help address troubled times in our lives. She was so talented and generous. Was this being "Peggy Matched”? Perhaps in the most profound way as we gained insights to connect with ourselves.
I really loved and respected her. My heartfelt condolences to Tony and to their lovely extended family. … Donna
