Photos and obituary for Margaret "Peggy" Walts

My mother, Margaret J Walts. I don't know when photo was taken but I'm quite sure it was before she was married.

CALCIUM, NY –– Margaret “Peggy” Joan Backus Walts, 86, passed away Tuesday evening, Feb. 5, 2019, at Lewis County Residential Healthcare, Lowville, NY.

Peggy was born Sept. 22, 1932, the sixth child of Harold and Hazel (LaRock) Backus. She grew up and lived on the family farm in Evans Mills through the 1940s.

She married Aubrey Guy Walts on Nov. 4, 1950.

Aubrey and Peggy went on to raise ten children, “whew”, eight boys and two girls. Though her house was small and full of kids her door was always open, and just about anyone was welcome to come in and stay if they needed to.

Peggy, “Mrs. Walts”, was a stay at home Mom and strict disciplinarian who taught her kids, the many kids she babysat over the years, and countless teenagers and young adults alike, what the word respect is all about. She never had to explain the word to anyone, but anyone who’s ever been in her presence, gave her lots of it. The funny little thing about it, is that everyone is richer for it.

Aubrey and Peggy’s lives together were primarily dedicated to their family until Aubrey’s untimely death in 1987. Beyond the open house policy, Peggy will be remembered for the countless holiday dinners where she prepared everything from scratch, she also enjoyed knitting, creating hundreds of garments over the years including hats, scarves, sweaters, mittens and socks.

My parents, Peggy & Aubrey Walts in 1954. Me, (Gary) on mom's lap. I was 10days old. Alan on my father's lap.

Peggy is survived by nine children, Alan B. Walts, Watertown, NY, Gary C. Walts and partner, Barbara Hyneman, Chaumont, NY, Melvin Walts, Dallas, TX, Ronald Walts, Calcium, NY, Carol Myers, Alexandria, VA, Dale Walts and wife, Cheryl, Syracuse, NY, Susan Auletta and husband, Frank, Tucson, AZ, Mark Walts and partner, Rhonda Smith, Winter Haven, FL, Bruce Walts and wife, Judith, Pelham, AL, and a daughter-in-law, Catherine Walts, Dexter, NY; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents, her husband, a son, Thomas Walts, five siblings, Gerald Backus, Mary Hotis, Audrey Mitchell, Louis Backus and Harold Backus all died previously.

My mother Peggy Walts, left, and her sister Audrey Mitchell at a family party at Aunt Audy's house in Evans Mills, NY, about 1968 or 70. Photo made on Kodak Ektachrome film.

Funeral services will be noon Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, with Rev. Steven Murray of Holy Family Church officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Evans Mills, NY, in the spring.

Calling hours will be 10 am to 12 pm, prior to the service.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County @ Ellis Farm, 1398 

Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

My mother, Peggy Walts in 2013 after she took a fall and banged up her head.

My mother at right with my sister Carol at the Center for Sight, State St., Watertown NY. in 2015. She was preparing for cataract surgery. At leftist my brother Mel's ex- mother in law. We hadn't seen her in years, just happened to meet her there.

Mom with grand daughter S in in 2004. S is my late brother Tom's daughter. Years later under hospice care mom would tell me she kept her self occupied (from not going insane) by thinking mostly about her grandchildren.

My mother making pies in 2004.

Mom's 84th birthday in 2016

Mom taking care of laundry, 2016.

Mom with son Mark. He is number 9 in lineup of 10 kids. Unsure what year this is. 

Mom with her grandson Rush & his wife Mary at their wedding in 2007

Mother's Day, 2012 Back row are Alan, Cheri, Barb, Lauren. Front row are Austin, mom, Dale, Gary (me), & Ron.

Mom after cataract removal, 2015.

Mom doing a puzzle with her one good eye, 2014