Peggy Metcalfe, 59, passed away December 29, 2016 unexpectedly at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI.
Peggy was born June 26, 1957, the daughter of Hugh and Joanne Mills of Eau Claire. Hugh and Joanne imparted a strong love of music which was apparent at a young age. In her formative years, she participated in band, choir, as well as teaching herself to play guitar.
After graduating from Eau Claire Memorial in 1975, she attended St. Cloud State majoring in music. During this time she exercised her adventurous spirit, riding her 10 speed bicycle from Seattle to Eau Claire. Around this time, she decided to put her education on hold and move to the Twin Cities to pursue music professionally. Peggy spent 10 years in Mpls/St Paul lending vocal and instrumental talents to numerous jazz trios, quartets, and duos. Most notably, her jazz fusion band Rendevous played at venues across the Metro performing original music and covers by artists like Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, and Steely Dan.
In 1985, Peggy moved back to Eau Claire area and continued to perform. Her favorite gigs were playing with father Hugh, because he could really “swing”. She married Thomas Metcalfe in 1988, and together they purchased Flynn’s Bar & Grill in 1990, renaming it Clancy’s. She relished in being close to family, particularly her children. She will be remembered as a fiercely loving, opinionated, and strong woman.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas of 28 years; son, Casey of Minneapolis; daughter, Carly of Eau Claire; her Mother, Joanne of Eau Claire; brothers, Michael & Peter of Eau Claire and Paul (Ellen) of Waukesha; her nieces, Jordan, Miciah, Katy, and Kelli; her nephews, Ryan, Matthew, Michael, Nicholas, Mac, and Eric; and her stepdaughter, Jennifer.
Peggy was preceded in death by her father, Hugh; brother, Jon; and his son, Lucas; mother and father-in-law, Mary and Robert Metcalfe; Uncle Gorden, Aunt Ruth Mills, Uncle John & Aunt Helen; Grandparents, Gordon & Elsie Mills and Grandmother, Emma Weichel.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel with a service to follow. A celebration of life will be held at Clancy’s at a later date.