Margaret A. “Peggie” Perrotto meant a lot of things to a lot of people, most notably, her mom and dad, Ed and Eva Almeida, her beloved husband, Tom, her son, Todd, and all her grandchildren. In addition, she was extremely close with her twin sisters, Judy and Jane, and brothers-in-law Michael Clancy and Joe Sousa. But, her lasting effect on people of all backgrounds may have been her greatest triumph. There were so many others whose lives she touched, it would be foolish to try and name them all here.

Peggie, 70, was an all-around gal whose love of life was unmatched. She unexpectedly passed from this world on April 10, after suffering a stroke, attributable to Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, “a cerebrovascular disorder caused by the accumulation of cerebral amyloid in the tunica media and adventitia of leptomeningeal and cortical vessels of the brain.”

Known for her zest for life, Peggie was as active as any person her age, especially outdoors where her daily running and exercise regimen bordered on the incredible. She believed in keeping her body fine-tuned and was a role model for so many women. Regular exercise was very important to her throughout her life.

Always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what the occasion, Peggie was a selfless person. She was a champion of those who served in the Armed Forces and an award-winning schoolteacher extraordinaire. The many years she spent as a third grade teacher at Guiteras School admittedly were some of her finest moments. If you ask any of her former students what impact she had on their lives today, the favorable response would be staggering.

Samantha Palumbo remembers Peggie in a very endearing way.

“Mrs. Perrotto was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” she said. “I’m brought back today to this moment in 2004 — a moment Mrs. Perrotto always referred to as my ‘first public speaking appearance. I was in 3rd grade and so nervous to stand at a podium and speak into a microphone, so she promised she would sit by my side. In 2018, I spoke at my college graduation and she was one of the first people outside of my family to tell me how proud she was and sent me the first photo as a reminder. She was one of those teachers who told you that you could do anything…and meant it. Mrs. Perrotto continued to root for and support my brothers and me long after the 3rd grade and I can’t believe that the world must now know life without her. My heart goes out to her family and to all she touched over the years. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Perrotto, and thank you.”

Peggie also enjoyed sailing and was a longtime member of the Bristol Yacht Club. She also loved taking part in Bristol Fourth of July Celebration activities. But, nothing made her feel more at home than sharing everyday life with her husband, retired Warren Police Chief Tom Perrotto, and family.

Her brother-in-law, Michael Clancy, also a former member of the Warren Police Deptartment, spelled it out in perfect terms in describing the impact this woman had on everyone’s life.

“Peggie was one of the most sincerely kindest people that I was blessed to know,” he said on his Facebook post. “She was both a big sister and best friend to me. She held our family together through some tough times and celebrated the good. We talked nearly every day and her guidance and support were unwavering. Peggie dedicated her life to teaching children in the local schools. Peggie was very patriotic and a supporter of our veterans. As a teacher, for decades she would bring her children to the Rhode Island Veteran's Home where they would sing songs and express thanks to the residents. She taught those kids to respect the men and women who served our country.”

Speaking for myself, Peggie was a dear friend. I even had the privilege of photographing her wedding more than 20 years ago at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Warren. The last time I ran into her was at the Bristol Fourth of July Carnival on the Bristol Town Common last year. Her son and grandkids had come to town for the holiday and were in their element on this warm, July afternoon. Again, Peggie’s wide smile and infectious personality, made the day complete.

Peggie’s sister, Judy Clancy, put it all in perspective:

“Words cannot begin to describe my sadness over the loss of our sister Peggie. The outpouring of affection we have received is truly amazing and overwhelming. Ever since I was a child, I have always known what a truly special person she was, but I am still learning about all the lives she touched. Peggie always put everyone first and did so much for so many. I thought I knew how much but there was so so much more. She was my big sister, my running partner, biking buddy, and one of my best friends. I will miss her every single day for the rest of my life.”
As someone so aptly put it, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

For Peggie Perrotto, her energy and compassion will long live in our hearts.