HOPE - Peggy Helena (Hooper) Burgess, 62, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2021, at her home in Hope after a three-year battle with lung cancer, surrounded by her loving family.
Born at Knox Hospital in Rockland on May 9, 1958, Peggy was the daughter of Barbara Meklin Hooper and Forrest L. Hooper Jr.
Peggy grew up in Rockland, graduating from Rockland District High School in 1976. She attended Kennebec Valley Regional Vocational Institute where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
She married Charles Burgess in 1982. They lived in Union for many years, where they raised their two daughters, Hillary and Trilby, before divorcing in 2009.
Peggy had a fantastic sense of humor and had a special gift for making people smile or laugh. She was also a natural when it came to caring for the elderly. She worked at many nursing home facilities, hospitals, and for families in the midcoast over the years, including Knox Hospital, Shore Village, Knox Center for Long-Term Care, Pen Bay Medical Center, and most recently Quarry Hill in Camden.
She united with her partner Edward Tooley in 2012. With Ed she discovered her love for camping and fishing. They had many adventures traveling “up north” to camp in Greenville, and staying at many campgrounds from Toddy Pond in Orland to Webber Pond in Vassalboro with their beloved grandchildren Isla, Esme, and Arlo; dogs Tucker and Ollie; and in more recent years, Boston Terriers, Livie and Tilly.
Peggy also enjoyed traveling and concerts with friends and family. She took many trips to Åland, Finland with her mother visiting extended family. Some of her fondest times were spent on her annual “girls trip” with friends - her favorites being trips to warm places including Florida, Aruba, and Costa Rica.
Peggy was predeceased by father Forrest L. Hooper Jr. in 2005, as well as many aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her partner Edward Tooley of Hope; mother Barbara Hooper of Warren; brother Thomas Hooper and his wife Vicki of Warren; daughters Hillary Hancox and her husband James of Hope, and Trilby Burgess and her partner Calvin Robbins of Rockport; and grandchildren Isla Hancox, Esme Hancox, and Arlo Dutil.
Per Peggy’s wishes, her family will remember her life privately and no public services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Peggy’s memory to:
The Livestrong Foundation
623 w 38TH St. Ste 300
Austin, TX 78705
or online at livestrong.org