Margaret (Peggy) Orr Childs passed away peacefully at her home on June 19, 2022 with several of her children at her side. In her 101 years she lived fully with an exemplary generosity of heart and a grateful, positive outlook. With her grace, kindness, and warmth she invariably drew others to her. Her positive influence on family, friends, and acquaintances of all ages will be remembered and treasured by all who knew her.
For 75 years Peggy resided in the same home in Sewickley where she raised her four children with her husband, Clinton L. Childs, Jr. (deceased December 2000). The home was a lively hub for children and also a memorable gathering place for adults as Peggy enjoyed graciously hosting large and small gatherings for life milestones, events, holidays, and also for the simple pleasure of getting people together. She was the consummate hostess and the home always exuded warmth and beauty. Peggy and Clint contributed much to Sewickley and to the Greater Pittsburgh communities. In Sewickley, while Clint served for nearly four decades on the Sewickley City Council, and for multiple terms as Council President, Peggy was one of the founders of the Sewickley Tree Commission, committed to planting shade trees throughout the village commercial areas and establishing a funding source through commemorative plaques. Among other services, she served as Sewickley Academy PTA President, active Academy fundraiser, and a 25-year Board of Directors Member for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Peggy grew up in Pittsburgh. She attended Ellis School in Pittsburgh, Chatham Hall School in Virginia, and Chatham College in Pittsburgh. During WWII she volunteered as a nurse. Throughout her life she remained committed to being of service to others. Providing friendship and regularly scheduled visits to homebound elderly citizens, she was a role model for her children.
She was also full of life with a radiant smile and easy laugh. Peggy was a voracious reader, gifted conversationalist, excellent listener, accomplished golfer, avid skier, flower gardener, world traveler, and a lover of the arts. She relished her time in museums and especially loved the theater and ballet. “Wonderful” was her favorite word and her attitude toward life.
For over eight decades she especially treasured her time at a cottage on Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada built by her grandfather in 1903. Peggy’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren still go there today enjoying the memories passed down through generations.
Peggy is survived by her caregiver of 21 years, Nieva Tomales, and her four children: Margot Childs Cheel of Cohasset, MA; Christine Childs Palmer of Kentfield, CA (m. Bill Palmer); Thomas Orr Childs of Andover, MA (m. Julie Ireland Childs); Isabel Lowrie Childs of Seattle, WA (m. Debbie Campbell); plus seven grandchildren: Melinda Cheel (m. Peter Larsen); Natalie Cheel (m. Corey Brennan); Emily Palmer; Katie Sayles (m. Ben Sayles); Claire Palmer (m. Larry Brown); Molly Childs; Toby Childs; and seven great-grandchildren: Tripp Sayles; Tommy Sayles; Tucker Sayles; Clint Brennan; Blair Brennan; Sebastian Larsen; Addie Larsen.
Her family invites all to attend a memorial service in Peggy's honor on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 11 AM at Sewickley Presbyterian Church in Sewickley
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Valley Care Adult Day Services, 345 Maplewood Ave., Ambridge, PA 15003.
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