There is a name known in altar guild circles all over the United States and that is Peggy Curlin. Her death on May 8, 2025, just past her 85th birthday, leaves a big hole in many lives due to her ability to write well. She contributed via various newsletters, including the Epistle, to all those who read with great interest all the articles and information she shared.
She was a true Renaissance woman who had many talents and shared them with all she knew. She was a cradle Episcopalian and always found time for church in her life. We knew her best when she was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tampa. Florida. She was a valued member of several Bible study classes, several book clubs, and always altar guild. Her talents ranged from sewing simple pillowcase dresses for little girls in Africa to making beautiful wedding clothes for her daughter’s wedding. Her grandson was welcomed into a room entirely created by her. She also baked brownies on Saturday afternoons for the homeless shelter and delivered Meals on Wheels faithfully for years. Her day always began with prayer and a chat with her children — just to check in. And then she went to the gym! Or for a walk. Her real career was working for the State of Florida and mastering the computer and training others. She was a perfectionist.
We got to know her here in the Diocese of SW Florida as she became the treasurer of the Diocesan Altar Guild. She served also for the Province IV Altar Guild and finally took over the Epistle and other newsletters. She loved going to Kanuga in North Carolina for many years for the Province IV Altar Guild meetings. She went to several National Altar Guild Association conferences.
She loved to travel, and her last wonderful trip was last October to Italy on a pilgrimage to Assisi. Last summer she made a happy trip with her whole family to Alaska. She has a son and daughter and a stepdaughter plus 5 grandchildren and others. Her husband died in 2004. She always had room in her heart for a kitty.
She died in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family after a six-month journey with Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor, a rare cancer of the sarcoma family Three words sum up Peggy’s life and last wish: Always Be Kind.
She was a remarkable lady and a wonderful friend.
by Sarah Hill