Peggy Lee Brown passed away peacefully on Nov. 28, 2025, in Holyoke after a courageous 15-month battle with cancer.  Always with a smile and a laugh, Peggy faced life with an ornery charm and boundless energy.  Even during her toughest days, she remained full of life, uplifting those around her with positivity and humor.

Peggy was born on Nov. 19, 1958.  Her early life was shaped by love and resilience.  Though her biological father was only briefly a part of her life, her mother Shirley married Clarence Kroeger who wholeheartedly stepped into the role of her father.  He welcomed Peggy and her siblings as his own, surrounding them with affection, guidance, love and support.  To Peggy, Clarence was her true Dad in every sense of the word.  His love left a lasting imprint on her life.  Peggy attended Holyoke High School and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Holyoke, grounding her life in faith.

On Aug. 28, 1982, Peggy married James (Spacey) Allen Brown, the love of her life.  Their years together were filled with lots of love and laughter.  In 1998, Peggy endured heartbreaking loss when Spacey passed away, just as she had begun her own battle with multiple sclerosis.  For many years, Peggy fought MS with remarkable strength and determination, never allowing it to take away her smile and her spirit.  Even in the face of hardship, she pressed on, proving to everyone around her that courage and strength could carry her through.

Peggy began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, working in nursing homes where she found her greatest joy in caring for the elderly and listening to their stories.  She often said this was the most rewarding work she ever did.  Later she worked as a housekeeper, but her role was much more than just cleaning.  She brought comfort, laughter and endless care to those she served making each person feel valued and loved.  She was known for her quick wit and playful jokes often filling the room with laughter.

Even after her cancer diagnosis, Peggy faced each day with courage and positivity.  She never let her illness dim her spirit and she remained upbeat and strong until the very end.

Most of all, Peggy's true love was her family.  Her nieces and nephews each held a very important piece of her heart.  She found so much joy in every visit, showering them with more love anyone could give and as many M&Ms as their hands could hold.  Peggy was also a devoted Denver Broncos fan, cheering on her team with enthusiasm season after season

Peggy's life was filled with music, laughter and warmth.  One of her favorite songs was "Put Another Log on the Fire" and it became a reflection of her spirit.  As her journey has come to a close, her family lovingly remembers Peggy as having placed the last log on the fire — leaving behind a glow of love, laughter and resilience that will continue to warm all who knew her.

Those who will forever cherish Peggy's memory include her sisters Sheri and husband Tommy Bornhoft, Lona and husband Dave Salyards and bonus sister Sandy and husband Nick Saylor; brothers Rodney Vernon and wife Sharon and Jerry Kroeger; brother-in-law Randy Peterson; nieces and nephews Lonny Vernon and wife Julie, Randy Peterson, Jr., Andrew Peterson, Dalton and wife Rylie Salyards, Dillon and wife Jessie Salyards, Danny Vernon, Jennifer Vernon, Candie and husband Cole Fix, Lena and husband Dustin Harris, Kylee and husband Ben DeTurk, Jerica and husband Andy Schon and Katlin and husband Leighton Fetzer; great-nieces and nephews Mason Vernon, Brantley Schon, Braydon Harris, Kyler Bishop, Kipton Salyards, Maddox Fetzer, Joel Bencomo, Angel Marquez, Isaac Elmquist, Morgann Vernon, Haylie Carpenter, Kortlyn Carpenter, Jaxy Fix, Ashton Schon, Brittyn Salyards, Oakley Bishop, Breanna Harris, Baileigh Harris and Jaidah Elmquist.  Peggy was joyfully awaiting the arrival of Baby Salyards and Baby DeTurk, new little bundles she longed to meet, and her family takes comfort in knowing that her love will surround these babies from the very beginning.

She is preceded in death by her husband James Brown; parents Clarence and Shirley Kroeger; brother Lenny Vernon; and sister Becky Peterson.

A Celebration of Peggy's Life will be held on Jan. 10, 2026, with an open house from 1-3 p.m. at Sunset View Community Center in Holyoke.  A private family burial will follow next spring at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Holyoke.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lona Salyards or Sheri Bornhoft to assist with burial expenses.  Remaining memorial funds will be donated to St. Jude's Hospital in honor of Peggy.