Mary Margaret (Peggy) Clark Mary Margaret (Peggy) Cla

In 2015, Peggy was a well seasoned business professional and a master at cooking, who was known for her many delightful meals she created.  She also spent much of her time creating beautiful and unique quilts which became a signature to her and the time she spent creating them.  As a wife and mother, there was nothing Peggy could not do, she had mastered much in her life and had just reached the time where life could finally be somewhat a bit easier and enjoyable.  During a gallbladder surgery in early 2016, Peggy suffered complications and had to undergo additional surgeries.  While in the hospital recovering, family and friends noticed that Peggy was very different and it was obvious she had lost much during the recovery period of those surgeries.  Peggy was not the same person she had been and she had a definite cognitive impairment.  While hoping for her improvement, the family did seek additional medical care in determining the issues that Peggy was now experiencing.  In July of 2017, Peggy was diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer's Type.  Peggy remained at home and continued her daily routine of walking her best friend, a golden retriever, Quinn.  In May of 2018, I was hired as Peggy's Patient Advocate and found her to be just as special and wonderful as perhaps she always had been, but I was seeing less of her life and times.  I could only imagine the person she was prior to her cognitive impairment.  Little by little, with a lot of love and support from her daughter, Heather, and a strong caregiving team, Peggy is presently working hard to restore some of the day to day skills she has lost.  She has mastered much in a short time and works hard to maintain her cognitive skills.    We are so very pleased to share that Peggy has had a beautiful summer, enjoying Sunday Fundays, outings, and her extended time with Heather in town aiding her in her current health struggles.  In early August, Peggy suffered a left hip fracture and underwent hip replacement.  As of today, she is in an extensive physical rehab program offering her the opportunity to regain her physical mobility and strength.  We are hopeful, given the work and efforts that Peggy puts forth, she can make a full recovery.  We ask that family and friends continue to support Peggy and us with our journey.  Peggy is living proof of someone beating the disease and she continues to fight to maintain her identity and her voice.  She is determined to let us know her thoughts and desires, her likes and dislikes, and her passion to continue to live life to its fullest.  In the short time I have shared with Peggy, I am so amazed at her determination in the most frustrating situations, somehow, she can see the light at the end of the tunnel and move in that direction.  Peggy makes me a better nurse and person.  I am blessed for our time together and to care for the amazing lady.  Though small..... she is fierce!  And she continues her journey with high spirits, hope and determination to master what Life hands her.  And I believe, those that know Peggy would agree, she still continues to love all those around her and offer them the best of her on every level.  Please keep Peggy and her family in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to recover and grow stronger everyday, with hopes of walking Quinn again.