Margaretta "Gretta" (Bickford) Peaslee

Margaretta “Gretta” Bickford Peaslee, 92; passed away January 28, 2025 at her home in Sandwich, NH.

Gretta was born June 19, 1932, in Sandwich, the daughter of Fred and Stella (Crawford) Bickford. Gretta was a lifelong resident of Sandwich and graduated from the Quimby School where she met her sweetheart and future husband Earle Peaslee. They were wed in August 1951 and spent the next 71 years together.

Gretta attended the Laconia Business School for a business degree. Her first job was at Oscar Luigi’s in Laconia as a book keeper. Over the years she used her training to support the variety of business activities that she and Earle started such as trucking, trash disposal and school buses. In addition to book keeping, scheduling and back-office operations, she could be found driving a school bus.

Gretta was a member of the Ladies Aid and assisted with planning and execution of the Sandwich Fair. She was an avid gardener, quilter and cross stitcher, winning multiple blue ribbons at the Sandwich Fair and other fairs as they traveled the country in their RV.

Never one to sit idle, upon Earle’s passing in 2022, Gretta taught herself how to operate the fleet of John Deere equipment Earle had accumulated. It was not unusual to see her buzzing by on the zero turn with her hair flying as she mowed the 10 acres of lawn at the house or running around hauling leaves and brush on her beloved gator.

Surviving Gretta are her children Garret Peaslee and Brenda (Mick) Czado, grandchildren Stephanie (Craig) Garafola, Ryan (Julie) Czado, Laura (Eric) Geresy, Matthew Peaslee, Trevor (Katrina) Peaslee and 10 great grandchildren.

In accordance with Gretta’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Memorial gathering will be held at the Sandwich firehouse from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025. 

Gretta was very appreciative of the work the Sandwich Ladies Aid does as well as the hospice care she received from Quality Care. Donations can be made to the Ladies Aid at PO Box 267, Center Sandwich, NH 03227 or to Quality Care at PO Box 32, Center Harbor, NH 03226.

Lord Funeral Home of Ossipee, NH will be assisting the family with arrangements.

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