Peggy Mae Blechschmidt, 89, of Englewood, OH went home to be with her Lord and Savior at Crystal Care Center of Ashland, OH. Born April 27, 1927, she was the third of five children to George and Viola Anna Rose (nee Hoehn) Whitwell in Parma, OH. Peggy graduated from Parma Schaaf High School in 1945. She graduated from Lutheran Medical Center in 1948 with a nursing degree becoming a Registered Nurse. On Sept. 4, 1948 she married Raymond Bollam who preceded her in death Feb. 21, 1951. Together, they had one daughter, Donna Rae (nee Bollam) Maiken.
On June 26, 1952, she married William Blechschmidt. Together they had 3 children, Jean, Tom, and Janet (nee Blechschmidt) House.
Peggy worked in various area of nursing: Maternity, Psychiatric, Geriatric, and Private Duty. She had worked at Samaritan Hospital, Richland Hospital, and Good Shepherd, locally. After retirement, she did foster care for 8 children totally. One of those foster children was adopted by her daughter, Jean.
Peggy also taught Sunday School for 13 years. She was a former member of Bethlehem Lutheran (Cleveland), Nova United Methodist, Peace Lutheran (Ashland), St Mark’s Lutheran (Bowling Green), and most recently Trinity Lutheran Church in Brookville, OH.
She is survived by children Donna Rae (nee Bollam) Maiken (John) with whom she resided in Englewood, OH; Jean Ann Blechschmidt of Bowling Green, OH; Thomas Edward Blechschmidt (Cathy) of Norwalk, OH; and Janet Marie (nee Blechschmidt) House (James) of Wooster, OH.
Grandchildren: Matt (Kim) and Nate Maiken; Megan Willen; Dan Blechschmidt (Concetta); Sally Blechschmidt (Dave Pelot); and Frank Blechschmidt (Jennifer); Sarah (nee House) Wiltrout (Brice); Joe House (Amanda); Andy House; and Alexis House. 10 great grandchildren and one due in April. One sister, Patricia Bachus; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Peggy was preceded in death by her first husband Raymond Bollam; her parents; a stillborn daughter, Nancy Blechschmidt; second husband Bill Blechschmidt; brother Robert Whitwell; sisters Lois Beamish and Jean Moody; brothers-in-law, Wayne Moody and Ray Bachus; sister-in-law, Hattie Whitwell; nephew, Steve Moody; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Peggy was the best Mom anyone could have. She was there for her entire family. She did devotions daily, loved to read, listen to music, and was a loyal Cleveland Indians fan.
She donated her body to the Wright State Boonshoft Medical College, Dayton, OH. Her Celebration of Life Service will be April 1, 2017 at Nankin Community Church at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dawn Beamish officiating. Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements. Those who wish may make donations to the charity of their choice.
For those not able to attend, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com

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