Peggy Lambert

Marjorie June (Peggy) Lambert, 91, passed away on February 3, 2020 in Mecosta, MI. She was born in Battle Creek on June 26, 1928, the eldest child of Raymond and Ethel (Daniels) Brown. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Vicksburg where Peggy spent her childhood and much of her adult life. She always considered Vicksburg "home." She was close to extended family there (especially her maternal grandparents, Dan and Mary Daniels) and in Union City where there were many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Peggy graduated with the Vicksburg High School Class of 1945. She then received a certificate in medical dictation from the Elkhart Business School which she attended with her cousin and close friend, Donna Lou Brown. Following completion of the certificate program, Peggy went to work as a clinic secretary at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. On July 7, 1948, Peggy married Joe Zonyk. They moved to Kansas City for two years while he attended school and she worked as a secretary for an insurance company. They returned to Vicksburg where Joe was hired as the assistant postmaster and they began to raise a family. Peggy was employed there as a bank teller and eventually as the Brady Township Treasurer. Her last job was with Gilmore Advertising in Kalamazoo where she held titles of office manager, account coordinator, and print media director. She took great pride in a job well done and in taking on extra responsibilities. She retired in 1988. She also enjoyed old sayings she collected and eventually published them in a book she called "Grandma’s Sayings." That book has been sold in every state in the U.S. Joe and Peggy were married for 25 years, until 1973. Family activities during the marriage often involved camping trips. A beagle mix named Grindle was also very much a part of the Zonyk household when Dan and Susan were growing up. Peggy had a close circle of friends and regularly played Bridge with many of them. She and Joe also played a lot of Tripoli with their friends in Vicksburg. She used any occasion to dance and continued to do that right into her 90's. On July 14, 1983, Peggy married John (Jack) Lambert. They were married for 27 years. She and Jack traveled extensively, especially in the early years of their marriage. One of their favorite places to vacation was Longboat Key in Florida. She got Jack on board with her love of card games and the two of them spent many an evening playing Skipbo and engaging in high stakes betting at a penny a game. She continued that risky behavior with scratch off lottery tickets which her family knew to include with any gift they gave her. Having taken lessons from a young age, Peggy became quite accomplished at the piano. She left behind many pieces of sheet music purchased in the 1940's. She was a "Camp Fire Girl" when she was a child and a cheerleader throughout her junior high and high school years. Later, after becoming a mom, she was a scout leader, a "room mother" for her children's classrooms, a member of the Mothers' Club, and of the Eastern Star. Peggy is survived by her children, Dan (Caryn) Zonyk of Vicksburg and Susan (Ron) Reardon of Canadian Lakes, MI. She is also survived by her step-children, John (Lisa) Lambert of Carmel, IN and Nancy Lambert, Arcadia, KS. She was a proud and loving grandmother to her grandchildren: Angela Verwey of Plainwell, Michael (Melissa) Zonyk of Grand Rapids, Michelle (Dave) Malito of Portage, Joshua (Emily) Reardon of Shelby, NC, Jeffrey (Lauren) Reardon of Westland, MI, Jeff Lambert of Denver, CO and Ryan Lambert of Indianapolis, IN. Peggy was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Gavin and Wren Zonyk, Emily, Elliana, and Adelina Malito, and Sadie and Sydnie Reardon. She leaves behind two siblings: Kay Warner of Warren, MI and Ray Brown of Three Rivers as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and spouses. Peggy had many endearing qualities. She was upbeat and positive and found her greatest joy with family. When opening a gift, the first words out of her mouth were, "That's beautiful!" (no matter what it was and sometimes before she even looked at it). If she became frustrated with her children, they could count on her to say, "Some people don't even have any kids!" followed by a wry smile. It was easy to make her laugh and she would often have trouble stopping once she got started. That trait also followed her into her 90's. She will be lovingly remembered in so many ways. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 at McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 Main Street, Vicksburg, Mi (269-649-1697). The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Those who wish may make a donation in Peggy's name to Royal View Assisted Living, 9100 Buchanan Road, Mecosta, MI 49332. Staff there considered her part of their family for the last ten years of her life. "Love is a bond that death cannot part. Gone from our arms, but still in our hearts."