Peggy J. Roush-Corbisier

Peggy’s Life Journey

Born September 17, 1939, a beautiful baby girl complete with dimples in her rosy cheeks, to Albert S. Gallagher and wife Frances, in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The beginning of Peggy’s journey.

Peggy was the eldest of three children.  Michael, the youngest, resides in Orlando, Florida and until recently, Frank was a resident of Aurora, Indiana. However, Frank passed away a few days before his sister.

Not only was Peggy a big sister to Frank and Mike, but she also had four Half-Brothers who preceded her in death.  Paul, Sonny, Jimmy and Gene Gallagher.  Making her the only girl out of 7 boys!

After leaving Tennessee the Gallaghers moved to Indiana.  Peggy attended grade school in Greendale, Indiana and attended high school in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

All throughout her school years, Peggy never missed being on the Honor Roll.  Except the one time she was left off because of a “C”, she received in Shorthand...not sure she ever got over that one!  During her years in high school, she played flute, in the school's band.  She traveled to our nation's capital with the band because they were invited to perform there.  She often spoke of that trip, remembering the excitement she felt while there and what an honor it was for her to perform for our Nation's Capital.

Peggy was a talented piano player and while in her Senior year, played piano for a band. There were 5 members of the band who played at Sockhops, fairs and other venues outside of school.  She would often reflect on those years, and how much she enjoyed them.  Graduating at the top of her class, earned Peggy a full scholarship to Nursing School.  However, once at college, life would take a different direction.

Peggy fell in love with a local Indiana man near the end of high school.  Eventually, they eloped and headed out West!  Her husband had joined the Army, and worked at Sandia Base.

Once in Albuquerque, they started a family. Gina was the first girl to be born and the youngest was Karen.

In time, Peggy was divorced with two very young children.  It was at this time, she decided to stay in Albuquerque.  She worked as a “Harvey Girl” at The Kachina Room in the old airport.

She was a surgical scrub technician for a local surgeon, an office manager for the late Dr. Donald Trinosky.

For a time, she worked as a reservationist for TWA, until they moved out of Albuquerque.  While working for a local lumber company, she moonlighted at Yellow Freight, until she was offered a full time position.  She eventually worked her way up to Dispatch/Supervisor, until she retired many years later.

Then the unthinkable happened!  Never thinking our mother would ever remarry, she met the love of her life...Kenneth Corbisier.  They met, dated, and fell in love.

They married in 1993.  The two of them were “Snowbirds”, they spent most of their summers traveling in their motorhome. They traveled throughout the US, including Florida where they spent much of their time.

Fortunately, they had many years to live life, travel and do all the “fun” things that life had to offer. They were inseparable. However, in 2010, Ken passed away.  After Ken passed, life just wasn’t the same for her.

Eventually mother had to go into a Memory Care facility, and staying true to her Irish lineage, she was not happy about leaving her home and she let everyone know that she did not need to be taken care of or live elsewhere.  She was very independent and lived life how Peggy wanted to live it.  However, she did come to realize that she could no longer live by herself.

After arriving at her new home,  Avista Memory Care/Senior Living, she fell in love with her “new“ home!  She liked the caregivers, but she was mostly thrilled by the “Food”.  As most everyone knows Peggy really enjoyed her food!  Sadies or Pelican’s being one of her Very Favorite places!

Peggy enjoyed bowling in a league, dancing especially to Freddie Chavez’ music, here locally…. going to the Casinos, Golfing, shopping or taking the train to Santa Fe. She had done a lot of traveling throughout her life. There wasn’t much she didn’t enjoy in life.

A special Thank-You to the Management, Caregivers and Technicians at Avista Senior Living.  Our family wishes to thank each individual that was a part of our mothers day.  The attentiveness and interactions our Mother received gave her something to  look forward to each and every day, but it  also made her feel very special. She recognized the “special” attention and who provided it.  Whether it was an extra dessert, a stroll to see the ‘little bird’ in its cage, or a cup of coffee at midnight.

To Joe, the Activities Director, thank you for the Memory Box you made just for her, that hung outside her door and told her story!

A special shout out to our Heroes: Shantal, Nessa and Diane.  We do know, you three were mothers favorites and we personally saw the exceptional care each of you provided, especially during her final days.  To the Executive Director of Avista, Doug, Thank you for always taking the time to interact with our mother.  We are sorry the time for that Brazilian dance never came to fruition, but are very sure our mother would have enjoyed it, she was an extremely good dancer.

Apologies to any of the unnamed heroes at Avista who cared for our mother, it certainly is not intentional, there are so many.

To Sonja, mothers AmberCare Hospice Nurse.  Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough for all that you did for our mother, in her final days.  Without your help and support, it would have been much more difficult than it was.  Your kindness, your ability to connect with the patient, and the anticipation of the patient's needs or requirements is just part of the Amazing nurse that you are and that doesn’t even begin to acknowledge the support you provided to our family!

Ambercare is very fortunate to have you.  Your caring nature, empathy and sympathy are qualities all nurses should possess.

Finally, the family wishes to thank Daniels Family Services, for the help and support we received during this time while arrangements were being made.  Mr. Simko, your help will always be remembered and appreciated. Thank you!

To all who knew Peggy, we hope you were able to smile, reflect, or remember a time Peggy was part of your life, or perhaps you were bowling buddies, a dinner companion or whatever Peggy was to you, we are in hopes you remember her fondly and puts a smile on your face when you think back to a time you were together.

Sincerely Peggy’s Family