On July 5, 2005 the First Capitol News lost one of our columnists and a dear friend, Peggy Brickner-Wilke. Peggy left us after a courageous battle with cancer; she died peacefully, completely surrounded by her loving family and friends. Peggy will be forever loved by her two sons, Robert Scott Brickner and Mark Thomas Brickner, their beloved wives, Aparna Brickner and Whitney Brickner, and her darling granddaughter Ava Elaine Brickner, daughter of Mark and Whitney. Also present with love at her time of passing were her dear friends of many years, Joyce Bredensteiner and Maria McDonald.
Peggy fought many battles and climbed many mountains in her time. Throughout her entire life, her ethics, principles and sense of humor were an unwavering constant. We are always brought to grins by the thought of Peggy; as an eight year old girl, leaving a note on the porch of a mean old woman in her neighborhood. This woman had all of the children in fear of her, but not Peggy. Seeking to end the woman’s reign of terror once and for all, Peggy’s note challenged her to a duel at high noon in the street. The woman didn’t show, but instead tattled on Peggy to her parents. Standing up then was well worth the red bottom, and she has never stood down since.
In heaven, Peggy will be reunited with her mother, Jessica, sister Sue, brother Darrell and her faithful companion Shep. Peggy has close friends and other family members too numerous to mention here, but all will miss her wit, her love and her company until we are reunited with her.
