Obituary of Peggy Dawn Banadyga

March 30, 1952 – Wadena, Saskatchewan

November 8, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peggy Dawn Banadyga, who left us on Friday, November 8, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Peggy Dawn was born in Wadena, SK, on March 30, 1952, and spent her childhood there, cherishing her time at Fishing Lake with family and friends. Throughout her life, Peggy was a source of joy, strength, and inspiration to those around her.

She was married to her husband, Mark, for 42 wonderful years—sharing a life filled with joy, travel, gardening, and countless adventures together. They raised two daughters, Darby and Amy, and welcomed Amy’s partner, Ed, and her grandson, Sullivan, into their loving family.

Peggy grew up surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit family, both immediate and extended, where large, lively gatherings were a constant source of joy. She is survived by her three brothers, their wives, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and an extended family that she cherished deeply. Peggy’s love for her family was boundless, and she held each of them close to her heart.

“Ms. B,” as she was lovingly called by her students, dedicated nearly 40 years to teaching high school home economics, primarily at Bert Church High School in Airdrie, AB. She was not only an exceptional teacher, but also a role model to her students, many of whom were inspired by her to pursue careers in the culinary arts. Peggy's classroom was a place where students felt encouraged, valued, and safe. Over the years, she developed deep, lifelong friendships with many of her colleagues, who became like a second family to her and shared in her commitment to education and compassion for students.

Peggy was a creative soul, and her lifelong hobbies kept her busy. She found joy in gardening and nurturing her plants, sewing, cooking, baking, and cross-stitching. Her home and garden reflected her warmth and creativity, and her family and friends were always eager to enjoy whatever she whipped up in the kitchen. She passed many of her hobbies down to her children, and her cooking skills even rubbed off on her husband, who became quite a good cook as he lovingly cared for her, in recent years.

Peggy was a kind and attentive listener who made everyone feel truly seen and valued. Her compassion knew no bounds, and she had a remarkable gift for making people feel special. Her family will remember her as the best wife and mother, a woman whose warmth, grace, and unwavering kindness touched the lives of everyone she met.

Peggy leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness and love, and her presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She has left a profound void in our hearts that can never be filled.

A Celebration of Peggy’s Life will be held in the spring for close family and friends, allowing us to honour her in a place that meant so much to her: her garden.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Chapter, 700, 10665 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3S9  Telephone: (780) 452-1166.  www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Peggy’s family here.

In living memory of Peggy Banadyga, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.