Marguerite (Peggy) Gates Steele died at Claremont East Senior Living in Bremerton, Wash., Feb. 17, 2015. She passed from pneumonia.

Peggy was born Aug. 31, 1919, in Glasco, Kan., to Dea and Eda Gates. Peggy was the oldest of three siblings, which included Mrs. Harry E. Nelson (Anita) from Burlington, Wash., and Milford Gates from Kansas City, Kan.

Peggy married James Richard Steele (Dick) Oct. 4, 1941, in Tacoma, Wash. The two of them traveled to Whidbey Island in 1951. They knew then this would be their permanent home. Dick and Peggy built their first home on Boon Road in 1964. They both lived there, raising their family and farming for 37 years.

Peggy had three careers in her lifetime. Her parents sent her to a strict catholic nursing school. Peggy graduated as Registered Nurse, R.N., in 1940. She then decided later on that she wanted to become a Licensed Beautician so that if for some reason she could not get a nursing job she would go to work cutting hair.

Then in 1976, Dick and Peggy decided to become Licensed Realtors, so Dick got his Brokers License and Peggy received a Realty License. Peggy enjoyed that so much. She was very successful at that career, more so than Dick. Peggy had a quiet and professional manner other people really enjoyed. Peggy worked for Harrington Realty for quite a few years, putting their youngest daughter, Shelli, through college.

Peggy loved to bake and cook. She also loved working outside, gardening, and planting roses and trees around their home.

She always made time for her children and grandchildren. She was an amazing mother, grandparent and wife. We often heard our dad say, “You all are so lucky to have such a great mother.”

Peggy was strong and unwavering. If someone starts something, they have to follow through to the end — no quitters allowed. Peggy also loved arts and crafts, ceramics, and early on loved to sew. Through the years with Dick, she handled all the books. She was CPA of the family for sure.

After spending many years at the farm on Boon Road, Peggy insisted on downsizing to a smaller home. Spring of 2001, VanderVoet homes built Peggy and Dick a 1,600-square-foot rambler that she so loved. Peggy nursed Dick, who had an extended illness from May 2005 to Nov. 5, 2007. She remained to be the best nurse and caregiver ever. Peggy, of course, had hired help and help from family, but she gave him the best gift — their home and her unwavering, unselfish self. After Dick passed, she remained in her home until August of 2010. She was almost 91 years old. Due to health, it was necessary for her to have increased level of care. Peggy’s oldest daughter, Linda, who is also an R.N., requested she be placed closer to their residence in Bremerton. There were also grandchildren in the area that would come and visit, so she could see her great-grandchildren as well. Peggy’s granddaughter, Tracy Schuyten Eilmes, came weekly to give Grandma Peggy a manicure and paint her nails red. Peggy always had red lipstick and red nails. Peggy was in Bremerton for four and half years.

She passed peacefully Feb. 17, 2015. Peggy is survived by her children, Linda and Ron Godwin, Shelli and Don Krieg and Jim Steele; her grandchildren, Tracy Eilmes, Wendy Brynstenson, Scott Schuyten, Ryan Steele and Katie Krieg; her great-grandchildren, Rissa Eilmes, Jack Eilmes, Chloe Brynstenson, Ruby Brynstenson, Cooper Schuyten, Wynona Schuyten, Bennitt Steele and Lanie Steele; her sister-in-law, Coral Gates; and her cousin, Leta Smith. She was preceded in death by James “Dick” Richard Steele (spouse); her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dea S. Gates, of Glasco, Kan.; Anita Nelson, of Burlington, Wash.; and Melford Gates, of Kansas. Services will be held for Peggy at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor, Wash., with life celebrant Linda Haddon officiating. Donations may be made to the Elks Children’s Fund.