Joanne and I received a note from Peg Hannigan’s daughter this morning informing
us that Peg passed away peacefully last evening in the Stone Institute’s hospice unit. I’m going to miss this dear friend and confidant more than I can express in words.
During the coming weeks, hundreds of Heartfelt tributes will be pouring in from near and far to celebrate Peg’s life and service. They will fill in many details about Peg’s political work and social activism.
I was in Washington when Peg was Chair of the Newton Democratic City Committee so I only know about what she did from what she or others have told me. I first met her at a Newton Democratic Party event at Davis School in West Newton where she and I started belting out Irish songs on an old upright piano. We hit it off instantly, and became close friends to the end. There was hardly a week when we didn’t talk at least once.
I’d like to close with just one Peg Hannigan story from this most recent Presidential campaign. I was one of the coordinators for Bernie Sanders presidential campaign in Newton. I never even thought about approaching Peg to support Bernie because I just assumed it would be off the table. In fact, I thought she might give me hell for being a bit extreme. One morning the phone rang and Peg was on the other end. In a gruff voice she forcefully exclaimed “what’s this I hear about you supporting Sanders”?. I fumble a few words and reply that I am, but we’ll all be together for the general. Peg replies as best I can recall “well, I’m for him too. He’s saying what Democrats should have been saying all along.” Then what was always the clincher from Peg. “You can use my name”. I said “Peg, a lot of people on the Committee aren’t going to like this”, to which she replies “They will all get over it.” I then ask if she’d be willing to join Rodney Barker as co-chairs of the Newton campaign. Peg chortled and replied “I’ll do anything to bring the English and Irish together”.That was vintage Peg Hannigan.
Where is the funeral service.
Colleen. Arrangements still being made. I should have added that.
It is a sad way to start the day with the news that Peg has passed away. She was a friend to so many. She was a tireless campaigner. She loved her title “Godmother” and her cigar box. She was proud of her Irish heritage, her children and grandchildren and the candidates she supported.
Peg, May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rain fall softly on your shoulders, and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the hallow of his hand.
Peter F. Harringtonp
I’m so very sorry to hear this. One of the highlights of my research for “Legendary Locals of Newton” was the afternoon I spent with Peg. She had boxes full of photos and correspondence that she was delighted to share with me. Best of all was all the wonderful stories that accompanied them. RIP Peg.
I’m glad to have had a chance to spend some brief moments with Peg and learn about all the good she has worked to do. She will not be soon forgotten.
Peg often noted she would never have predicted, but thank goodness for the circumstances that led to her ultimate ascension as Godmother to us all (or, at least, all Democrats). To a life well-lived!
Peg was always a supporter of Newton and the Democratic Party’s finest. I was fortunate to get to know Peg even better when Peg, Reverend Haywood and I co-chaired Setti Warren’s campaigns. Those days were some of my favorite times in Newton Politics. What a warm, smart dedicated woman who saw through the weeds and called them like shes saw them, from the heart with a keen intellect. I loved her. She will be dearly missed.
@Gail. Thank you so much for posting those photos of Peg and some of the state’s most familiar political luminaries. The picture of Peg with Fat Pelligrini will bring a smile to the face of anyone that knew these two.
I’m so sorry/sad to hear about this. She was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. My condolences to her entire family.