Amelia Margaret Fugate

Amelia (Peggy) Margaret Fugate (91) passed on July 3, 2024, at Woodland Care Center in Woodland, WA, with family by her side.

Amelia’s nickname, Peggy, was given to her by her older siblings, and it stuck. She was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on August 29, 1932, and was the youngest of five children. She graduated from Stamford High School in 1950 and then earned her degree in teaching from New Haven State Teacher's College in 1954. She taught for a total of 30 years in Connecticut and Kentucky and internationally in Japan, England, Germany, and Spain.

It was after college that Peggy's adventurous spirit and courageous nature blossomed. In 1957, she was accepted into the Department of Defense Dependent School (DoDDS) program to teach in Japan. After a year, she wanted to see more of the world and accepted a transfer to England for a year, followed by a move to Germany in 1959. It was while teaching in Wiesbaden, Germany, that she met and married the love of her life, Jack D. Fugate, in 1960.

Peggy and Jack traveled throughout Europe as well as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. They both loved to travel and experience new cultures. Peggy thrived in this lifestyle as her knowledge of history, music, and the arts was continually inspired by seeing so many countries, making new friends, and enjoying each culture fully. Peggy and Jack’s four daughters continue their legacy with a love for travel and adventure.

Peggy was a devout Catholic, a faith she practiced with unwavering dedication. She ensured her four daughters attended Mass every Sunday as they were growing up. This commitment extended even when they traveled abroad, attending Masses celebrated in foreign languages, where not a word was understood, but the act of being there was what mattered. After moving to Longview, WA, Peggy became a member of St. Rose parish.

Peggy was a loving mother to her four girls and a dear friend to many. She always saw the good in others and was quick to embrace people. Her blue eyes sparkled, and her smile was contagious, lighting up any room she entered. Her kindness and generosity uplifted all those around her.

Peggy is survived by her four daughters, Ann Marie Fugate, Jeanette Forman (Matthew), Barbara Fugate (Androu), and Susan Fugate Brangers (David); five grandchildren, Annie Bovenizer (Brian), Jane Forman (Matt), KiAira Brennin, Jack Brangers, and Lillian Brangers; three great-grandchildren, Bobby and EmmyLou Bovenizer and June Tarabochia; her sister-in-law Maureen Grunbeck; and 23 nieces and nephews.

Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Fugate, and her four siblings, George Grunbeck (Clare), Marie Willis (Jack), Janet Munson (Edward), Daniel Grunbeck, and her parents, George and Amelia Grunbeck.

Peggy's family is grateful to Woodland Care Center (AL and SNF) for the loving care and attention that Peggy received from the nurses, caregivers, and entire staff. They are also grateful for the knowledge, care, and support provided by Peace Health Hospice staff.

A funeral service will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church in Longview, WA, on Tuesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. The rosary will be said before the service at 10:30 a.m. There will be a reception at St. Rose Parish Center after the funeral service at approximately 12 p.m.

The burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd. in Portland, OR, on Wednesday, July 24 at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Peggy's name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.