Obituary of Maureen Frances Pepper
Maureen (Moe) Francis Pepper (nee Joyce), aged 79, passed away after a courageous battle with debilitating illness on February 20, 2026 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance surrounded by her loving family. Born May 24, 1946 in Chatham, Ontario, Maureen lived a life marked by resilience, dedication and love. She was a dedicated and loving wife to her beloved husband, Ivan Pepper, for over 50 years, loving mother to daughters Nicole (Luc) Leger of Chatham and Jessica (Jeff) Lee of Ottawa, and grandmother to her treasured granddaughter Cara. Dear sister to Paula (Bill) Wild of London, Ontario, Jill Forgrave of Victoria, British Columbia and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Maureen was predeceased by her parents, Veronica (nee Millen) and Reginald Joyce, and her brother, Patrick Joyce, all of Chatham, Ontario. Maureen was a registered nurse, graduating from St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario, where she made lifelong friends whom she treasured dearly. Maureen had various roles at Southwestern Regional Centre where she spent the majority of her career. The people Maureen met at SRC were not only colleagues, but dear friends. Her unwavering spirit and gentle presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary VandenBerg, her PSW and friend for the past six years, as well as her cousin, MaryAnne Bell, who provided great comfort and support over the years. Dr. Donald Hastings was Maureen‘s physician for over twenty years and we are eternally grateful for the care he provided her.
Please join us in celebrating Maureen’s life at a casual gathering at McKinlay Reception Centre at 463 Saint Clair St., Chatham on Saturday, February 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. All family and friends are welcome. Speeches will begin at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ontario Brain Injury Association.
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
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Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
Blenheim: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-41
Chatham: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-174
Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
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