Peggy Ann Pester

Peggy was born August 14th, 1954, in Marquette, a daughter of Clement and Emma (Hayward) O’Neill. She was raised in Marquette and attended school to earn her GED. Peggy married Dennis Carter and together the couple established a home and began raising their family. Peggy had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom to their three children. Once the kids were older, she started working at College Laundry and Cleaners. Then she served as manager for the Value Host Motor Inn until she retired.

Peggy later met Gus Pester. They shared a love of many things, especially ribeye steaks and trips to the casino. Gus’s job allowed them to see many beautiful places within the states. But their favorite place was Las Vegas, where they were married. Peggy’s mother, Emma was able to join them on many of their adventures. They were known as the Three Amigos.

Peggy’s world revolved around her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. She took advantage of every second she had with them. She lived for weekend sleepovers, handwritten letters and Facetime phone calls.

Some of Peggy’s favorite memories were of family game nights, Roehm family reunions, summer BBQs and of course the holidays. Peggy loved decorating for and celebrating every holiday. But Christmas was always the biggest celebration at her house. She spent hours and hours of planning, baking, decorating and wrapping. Walking into her house with the sea of presents. If you were the lucky one, you would get the never-ending box.

Peggy lived every day like it was her last. She enjoyed many things over her years, from league night at the bowling alley, finding new craft projects to becoming the Green Bay Packers #1 fan. She always had a camera in her hand. Some of her best photos were candid shots when you least expected it. Anyone that knew Peg would agree that she had a small obsession for moose and the Wizard of Oz. That was obvious when you stepped into her house.

Peggy had a very close relationship with her mother. She moved Emma into her home to care for her until Emma’s health started to decline.

Then Peggy found a new roommate, her beloved cat, Jimmy.

She was a member of the Marquette Salvation Army.

Peggy is survived by her children, Michael (Lori) Carter of Haines, Alaska, Kathy (Darryl) Wirkula of Sands, Daniel (Tricia) Carter of Marquette; her grandchildren, Jemma Carter, Maizie Carter, Orson Carter, Andrea (Koeddie) Prince, Cory Carter, Whitney Wirkula, Danielle (Matthew) Heintz, Libby Carter, Ryan Carter, Tristin Larson; great-grandchildren, Hayden Heintz, Olivia Heintz, Wyatt Heintz, and Logan Heintz; great-grandchildren, Mila Prince, Oliver Prince, Ezra Prince, Neveah Carter, Khia Carter, Jaxon Wirkula. Also surviving are her siblings, George (Patricia) O’Neill of Negaunee, Thomas (Bonita) O’Neill of Marquette, and Robert (Barb) O’Neill of Punta Gorda, FL and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gus Pester; and a sister, Nancy Rosten.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Marquette Salvation Army Chapel on Monday, May 16th, beginning at 1:30 pm, until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Marquette Salvation Army, 1009 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.