Peggy Miller     

June 8, 1940 ~ April 25, 2026

Peggy Miller (née MacKinnon) of Calgary passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by her loved ones.

Peggy was born on June 8, 1940, in Killam, Alberta, to Roderick (“Mac”) and Hazel MacKinnon. She often spoke fondly of what she considered an idyllic childhood - growing up on the farm in a simple but rich life filled with music, dancing, card games, animals, family, friends, and, above all, love. Those early years shaped her deep appreciation for connection, community, and joy in everyday moments.

Peggy’s children and grandchildren were the greatest source of joy and pride in her life. She delighted in spoiling them, especially through her beloved annual “family Christmas", a treasured weekend in the mountains filled with home‑cooked meals, sugar cookies for the kids to decorate, and her infamous treasure hunt, where she hid small gifts throughout the house for her grandchildren to find. She spent countless hours with her grandchilren playing games, going to the park, baking favourite treats, and, as her grandchildren grew older, listening carefully and offering thoughtful advice.

A true social butterfly, Peggy cherished her many circles of friends, including her bridge group, craft group, teachers’ group, and dance group. She had a special gift for bringing people together and especially loved welcoming friends and family into her cozy home, where they were treated to her generous hospitality and an ever changing spread of homemade dishes and baking. Friendship meant the world to Peggy, and her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit drew many dear friends into her life. She was always ready to listen, to support, and to celebrate alongside those she loved.

Peggy had a lifelong love of children and knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. She completed her one year teaching degree at the University of Alberta and taught in Hardisty, where she met Gerry Miller and began raising her family. Together, they lived in Eugene, Oregon, before settling in Calgary. After taking time away from teaching to focus on her family, Peggy returned to university and earned her four year Education degree at the University of Calgary, specializing in early literacy and special education. She resumed teaching in Calgary, starting at Dr. Carl Safran and finishing with many years as a beloved and memorable teacher at Dalhousie Elementary School.

A farm girl at heart, Peggy never lost her love for the outdoors and gardening. During retirement, she transformed her Calgary backyard into a thriving garden, harvesting and freezing vegetables and raspberries to enjoy throughout the winter months, along with a bounty of flowers. She also found joy in cooking, music, bi‑weekly dances, long walks, animals of all kinds, reading, painting, and playing cards - simple pleasures that brought her great happiness.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, Roderick and Hazel MacKinnon and her husband, Brian Toner. Peggy is survived by her brother, Don MacKinnon (Pat); her four children: Rod Miller (Lynne), Jeff Miller (Claire), David Miller (Shannon), and Cathy Cook (Michael); and her

cherished grandchildren: Alex, Jack, Gracie, Amy, Sophie, Ward, Lyra, Tessa, and Maya along with her many treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Brian's children (Glen, Marlene, Fred, Cathi, Sheldon, and Megan) and their families.

Peggy’s family would like to sincerely thank the many doctors, nurses, and teams from Arthur Child, Palliative Care and Agape Hospice who provided compassionate and exceptional care during Peggy’s nine‑month battle with cancer. In particular, the family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dean Ruther and team, Dr. Rachid Mohamed, and Dr. Sanjeeve Soconathan.

A Celebration of Peggy’s Life will be held at Summit View United Church, 3303-Capital Hill Crescent NW, on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 2:00pm, followed by a reception in the Church Hall.

A Graveside Service will follow on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Sedgewick Memorial Cemetery for local friends and family, where Peggy will be laid to rest beside her loving parents, followed by a lunch at the Sedgewick Community Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy’s honour to the Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumour Society, the Sedgewick Cemetery, or Agape Hospice.