Obituary of Mary C Billow

Mary "Peggy" Billow of Granville, NY passed away peacefully on Friday in the comfort of the home she and her late husband, Michael "Mickey" Billow built in1960. Her five loving children, Bonnie (Clifford) Lee, Gregory (Jennifer), Michael, Joseph (Robin) and Brian Billow, as well as several grandchildren were at her side when she passed. Born on September 14, 1929, during the Great Depression, Peggy's early start at just two pounds shaped a long life of resilience, determination and spirit that radiates through her family. During her formative years, she rose to the top of the pyramid as a standout cheerleader at Poultney High and was voted "class cutie" and "wittiest" in her class of 1947. Her cleverness and impeccable comedic timing remained her calling card until her final day, when, surrounded by her entire family she uttered her last words, "who else is coming?" She loved to laugh and when Peggy laughed it came straight from the gut. After high school, her work as a seamstress sparked her keen eye for fashion and an even keener eye for finding quality threads at a bargain on sale racks across New England. Peggy found her soulmate in Mickey and started her life's work - raising a family of five children (above), eight grand children, Anya Lee (Jason) Williams, Travis Lee (deceased), Noah (Kirian) Lee, Michael (Candice) Billow, Jeremy Billow, Emily Billow, Paige Billow, Sarah (Nick) Gambardella and nine great-grandchildren. She was also cherished by, in her words, "a whole slew" of nieces, nephews and Godchildren and her dear sister Alice Dutcher (deceased): To say Peggy voraciously loved her family would be an understatement. Peggy danced like no one was watching but she also danced like everyone was watching because everyone was definitely watching. She loved dancing at weddings, while doing the dishes, in line at Price Chopper, and in her later years with the senior citizen dance group Young at Heart. With Peggy's bingo prowess she probably could have gone pro. Her unwavering dedication to QVC deserves a moment of broadcasting silence in tribute and despite her daily hobby of scanning obituaries, she would never approve this level of praise in hers. Stories of Peggy will keep us laughing forever. From the gut. Help us celebrate the woman who danced through life. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville, NY. Calling hours, 10 am - 12 pm. Eulogy and blessing, 12 pm - 1 pm. Burial services will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Celebration of life, 2 pm - 5 pm at Bernardos 5 Restaurant on Church Street in Granville. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either of two organizations that were dear to her heart - St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).