Peggy Joy

Peggy Joy (née Sperry) was born on July 5, 1935, in Bellingham, Washington, and passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in prayer.

Peggy grew up in Whatcom County and treasured the people and places that shaped her life there. She adored her stepfather, Floyd, whom she considered her dad, and always spoke warmly of the love and care he gave to her mother Alice and their family. From a young age, Peggy formed friendships that lasted her entire lifetime, many stretching back to her earliest school days.

She met her husband, Rollin, on a blind date at the movies — a chance beginning to a marriage rooted in devotion and steady companionship. Together they raised two children, Nancy and Jim, for whom Peggy held a deep and abiding love. Her role as mother, and later grandmother, was central to her life, and she extended that same nurturing presence to those around her.

For 21 years Peggy worked at the Lynden Tribune, where she was affectionately known as everyone’s “mom.” People trusted her with their stories and secrets, though she rarely held back a good dose of honesty. With her salty-sweet personality, wit, and candor, Peggy became the kind of colleague who could never be replaced — remembered with both laughter and deep affection.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alice and Floyd, her husband Rollin, her children Nancy and Jim, her sister Barb, and her brothers Fred and Ernie. She is survived by her granddaughter Coty (Mike), grandson Tyler, and grandnephew Josh (Jodie); her brothers Art and Dale; her beloved dog Zoey; and many dear friends and extended family members.

In later years, Peggy found joy in her church family at Rome Community Bible Church. Within that community, her hugs became a beloved tradition, offering comfort and connection, and they have been deeply missed.

Peggy will be remembered for her sharp humor, her fondness for prawns, and the unmistakable twinkle in her eye that carried both mischief and warmth.

A service honoring Peggy will be held at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt. Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. All who loved her are welcome to attend, with refreshments and food to follow.