Peggy Foppiano Tonahill's Obituary
Peggy Tonahill, age 85, of Germantown, TN passed away on March 9th, 2023, after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 19, 1937, in St. Louis, MO to Joseph Lawrence and Minnie McDonald Foppiano.
Peggy was a 1955 graduate of Central High in Memphis, TN. She attended the University of TN School of Nursing, where she earned her BSN in 1959 and served as her class President. After graduating from UT School of Nursing, she worked at John Gaston Hospital and in a pediatric doctor’s office. After staying home to raise her three daughters, she worked as a preschool teacher and school nurse at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church preschool.
Peggy attended Rebecca Memorial Methodist church, where she and her husband, Ronald “Butch” Tonahill were married on Oct.3, 1959. They later transferred their membership to Colonial Park United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, and they were members of the Seekers Sunday school class. She also worked in the nursery at Colonial Park United Methodist and taught preschool Sunday school, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Peggy” by the children and adults. After moving to Germantown, they joined Germantown United Methodist, where she has been a member for the last 20 years.
Peggy enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities while cheering them on. She enjoyed spending time with her family , singing, drawing, and being outdoors. Her biggest joys in life were being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and being called “Mimi” by all her grands.
Peggy is survived by her daughters Brenda (Rob) Dew of Germantown, TN, Laurie (Dean)Pakis of Germantown, TN, and Karen (Brian) Wilson of Memphis, TN, grandchildren Corrie D. (Jarod) Neal of Martin, TN, Casey and Caitlan Dew of Germantown, TN. Tony Pakis of Nashville, TN and Alex Pakis of Germantown, TN. Taylor Ann and Wesley Wilson of Memphis, TN. Great grandchildren Grayson, Payton, and Hallie Grace (due in April) Neal of Martin, TN.
Peggy is preceded in death by her husband Ronald “Butch” Tonahill of 51 years and her parents.
The visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the service time at 1:00 p.m, Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. The interment will be in Memorial Park Southwoods Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Germantown United Methodist Church.
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