Margaret "Peggy" Bonci

Margaret “Peggy” Bonci, formerly a Branford resident, peacefully departed this life on March 22, 2025, at home in Sarasota, Florida surrounded by loved ones.
Peggy was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada, on June 22, 1928, to the late Frederick and Mildred Bryanton. Peggy was immensely proud of her Canadian roots. Each summer she would make her annual pilgrimage to Bathurst, New Brunswick, Montreal and Prince Edward Island; there, she would spend cherished time with her sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, and nephews. It was a greatly anticipated event when Auntie Peggy came to town.

In addition to her yearly trips to New Brunswick, Montreal, Prince Edward Island and Florida, Peggy traveled to France, St. Martin, the Bahamas, Mexico, Colorado and Western Canada where she would attend the Calgary Stampede and then embark on a road trip across the Canadian Rockies. She was joined by her lifelong best friend and travel companion, Doris, listening to all the country greats— Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.
They reminisced about the days when they went 50/50 on a pair of rollerskates, (despite having vastly different shoe sizes) as neither could afford their own pair.

Peggy’s last visit to Canada was in August of 2021, shortly after the land borders reopened. She traveled by Motorhome, camping along the way, evoking memories of a time long ago when she would “rough it” in a secondhand pop-up trailer in the mountains of New Hampshire with family and friends.
This poignant Homecoming completed her Bucket List wish which was to walk down Miramichi Road and to feel the love and embrace of her beloved family. She cherished these special memories until the very end.

Peggy (Pouge to her grandchildren) was a the quintessential “Renaissance Woman” long before it became popular to be a “Do It Yourselfer”. She studied “Home Handyman” encyclopedias to educate herself on home renovation and repairs. On any given day she could be found building a deck, tiling her bathroom and kitchen, installing sheetrock, painting, reupholstering furniture, or repairing her cars (in the 1970’s she took a course on Automotive repair at Branford High School)
She loved tending to her garden and grew her own fruits and vegetables.
In addition, Peggy was a very talented seamstress who took great pride in her sewing skills, which she learned from her Grandmother. She would create elaborate dance costumes, bridal ensembles, bespoke Halloween and Cosplay costumes, and clothing for her loved ones.

Peggy worked as a waitress and a coat check attendant at 500 Blake St. where she forged many long lasting friendships and memories throughout the years. After her retirement at the age of 77, she assisted at a home daycare where she found joy and purpose in caring for children.

Although she faced her share of adversity and struggle, Peggy never lost her “Joie de vivre” or her can-do positive spirit. Peggy had unparalleled energy and an incredibly strong work ethic. She was a loyal friend and confidant who dispensed sage advice and would always be there to lend a hand when called upon. She was a remarkable woman of strength, perseverance, and principle.
She was a blessing to those who loved her.

Peggy is survived by her daughters, Donna Yanick, Carol Bonci MacKenzie and Cathy Bonci, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, sisters Shelva Bryanton, Betty Peters, Lois Bryanton, Brenda Bryanton, Debbie Couture and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her siblings;
Millie Ellis, Shirley Bryanton, Elmer Bryanton, Lloyd Bryanton, Gary Bryanton, Bonnie Bryanton and nephew Christopher Ellis.

Infinite gratitude to Peggy’s devoted home caregiver team who tended to her with endless love, tenderness, compassion and brought her joy, beauty, and happiness every single day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Hospice. A celebration of life will be held at a later date