Beth Savan and Tony Easty, friends
A couple of experiences, one long ago and one very recent, crystallize for me Pegi’s quiet and modest yet radiant, enthusiastic and generous presence. The first time Tony and I met Pegi was nearly 35 years ago. I was pregnant with our daughter Laura. Though my memory is usually poor, that evening stands out for me so clearly. We walked to a friend’s house, where Phil and Pegi had already arrived on a crisp and beautiful winter evening. I remember the scene, and the strong impression that Pegi (and Phil) made on us. Pegi’s curiosity and relish for new experiences and ideas came across very clearly, and I knew that she and Phil would become good friends of ours. Pegi was such an interesting character, understated and modest when it came to herself and her own needs, but energetic, determined and full of joy when participating in the natural world, family events and helping others.
A few years ago, when she was working full time as well as raising Beth and contributing to many family activities, Pegi was a founding member of the Ripple Refugee Project. She checked out potential apartment rentals for a large Syrian extended family and participated in many group efforts to ease their integration into life in Toronto. It was difficult, with two large apartments needed in very close proximity, at a very modest price, and in a tough market for rentals. It is a testament to her determination and thoughtfulness that the families still live in the same units Pegi found for them many years ago. Pegi’s love of children and her appreciation for other cultures was always evident during our Ripple events. There were many challenges for our group and for the families who arrived in Canada who had to cope with so many unfamiliar customs. Pegi always found a way to focus on what we all shared, rather than the many differences in our experiences and outlook.
Most recently, she extended this same generosity of spirit to May Massijeh, a young Syrian woman who came to Canada to pursue her education and was able to stay on as a Refugee and now a Permanent Resident. After living with us and then on her own, May has been lucky to be able to share Pegi and Phil’s house for the past 20 months. Pegi’s generosity and insight have been so evident in May’s blossoming interest in nature. A pivotal gift of binoculars from Pegi sparked May’s interest in birdwatching, and many shared walks along the Don, the Leslie St. spit and near our house in Mulmur with Pegi, Phil, Beth and Tony and me showed how much May was learning, thanks in large part to Pegi’s mentorship and support.
We were lucky enough to share many nature walks with Pegi over the decades and especially during the past year, when she showed us many lovely spots along the Don and hidden treasures on the edge of the Don River valley. She knew so much about these areas and revelled in the naturalization projects along the river, as well as the growing use of these spaces during the pandemic. Pegi was the person so many of us aspire to be: modest, determined to make a difference to the natural world and the many people she loved, and always principled, joyful and kind. We will miss her so much. We will always remember her as a great friend and a person whose life was superbly well lived.