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.
My heart is sad with you all. Sending hugs.
Thinking of you, Casey and family. Sending all my love and well wishes during this time for you.
So sad to hear this terrible news about Peggy. We had many good times together. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Thinking about the Metcalfe and Mills families…prayers and hugs to all of you. My heart is saddened over the loss of Peg.
I sure miss you Peg. You made me laugh when I needed it. Our conversations were always long because we both like to talk. I know you will be watching over Tom, Casey and Carly. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
You are all in my thoughts every minute. Your Mom was a friend to everyone, and made people happy and laugh. Most of all she loved family; and she considered her friends family, too. She was a saint on earth and will continue to help us from heaven.
I am so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing.; I don’t know if you remember me but I worked for you guys at the bar years ago. I loved working there and Tom you were the best. Peggy was a spitfire and so musically talented . I loved it there. please accept my condolences and prayers through your difficult time. I would be there in person but have another wake of a friend at same time. I remember both of you hade best smiles and laughs ever . I am so sorry to here of her passing . My heart and thought’s go out to you an your family
– kelly finnessy
So very sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was a great spirited lady. Had a wonderful smile and laugh. Godspeed Peggy. May your memories be of some comfort to all of you at this sad time.
Our deepest sympathies,
Pam Palzkill & Phil Prusak
To all of Peggy’s family and friends…Thinking of you all and remembering many days that were brightened by Peggy’s incredible smile.
Kerry (Berg), MHS Class of 1975
My deepest sympathy to Peggy’s husband, children, family and loved ones. We attended school together and graduated Memorial. May God’s ‘peace beyond all understanding’ cover you all during this time of grief and understanding.
I was sorry to hear about Peggy’s passing, wishing you peace & comfort and many good memories.
To my fellow 1973 Memorial classmate Paul and your entire family:. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister Peggy. My thoughts and prayers to you.
Hello Casey and Family: Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom, Peggy. My twin sister and I went to school with your Mom. She was so much fun and we remember her fondly as a kind and funny person. We are all blessed to have known her. All our love to you and your family. Kim (Rundblad) Zimmer and Kaye (Rundblad) Crisafulli.
My heart goes out to all of you during this very sad time.
I am so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. Our two families spent a lot of great times together. I remember Peggy and her Dad, Hughie, singing Mack the Knife in our living room, and just thought this is the best. Much love to everyone! Thinking about you Joanne, and sending love.
– Betty Wagner
I am so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. Our two families spent a lot of great times together. I remember Peggy and her Dad, Hughie, singing Mack the Knife in our living room, and just thought this is the best. Much love to everyone! Thinking about you Joanne, and sending love.
– Betty Wagner
Dear Tom, Casey & Carly,
Thinking of all of you including the Mill’s family. I have great memories of your mom. Besides watching her sing in the Twin Cities & Eau Claire, we also drove up to St. Cloud to hear her. Beautiful! Will try to make her “celebration of life”.
God speed Peg ~
You were a special lady in my life, your laugh & beautiful voice live in my heart . Tom & Casey & Carly, take care & our sympathy to you all. Peg was a great gal.
With much love & sympathy,
Hallie & Terry Moline
We are so sorry to hear about Peggy’s passing. Our hearts break for your family and the sadness you must be feeling. . She was a very beautiful person both inside and out and and will be greatly missed!
I was so saddened to hear about Peggy. My heart breaks for you Tom and Casey and Carly. May your memories of this amazing woman keep her with you always. Hugs and prayers from an old friend.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Peggy’s passing. I had the fortune to be in the jazz-pop-fusion band, “Rendezvous” with Peggy, in addition to playing many duo jazz gigs with her fabulous voice and my guitar. She brought out the best in my playing and inspired me to dig deeper into jazz. She had a wonderful sense of music and I learned a lot about how to accompany and compliment a singer’s voice. When she sang, she poured her whole being into the song, the words, and the meaning – so much so that it often drained her emotionally. There were times that she just couldn’t sing a song if she wasn’t in the right emotional state. She was a dear friend and I will miss her spirit. We had many lively conversions covering a million subjects, all of which she had very strong opinions! – but I enjoyed her thoughts, wide interests, and her humor. Rest well in peace, Peggy. Payers and good wishes to the loved ones she left behind.
Tom, I was so sadden to hear about Peggy’s passing. She had such a beautiful, cool voice and a awesome laugh and smile. Prayers and sympathy to you and all family. May she rest in peace now.
Nan Kessler
My condolence to you and your family. Remenber Peggy from high school days at memorial. Class of 75. Sadden to hear of her passing way to young.
God speed
So sorry to hear about Peggy’s passing. My mom (Hallie Moline) used to work with Peggy when I was very young. I have very fond memories of going over to Peggy’s house as a child. She babysat me every now and then and I always enjoyed her warm and fun personality. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Metcalfe family.
To all of Peggy’s family…I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is heavy with the news as well as the thought of your great pain and grief. Peggy was a very dear and close friend through Jr./Sr. High School and beyond. We shared so many wonderful times together. Peggy was a very loving, fun, vivacious, beautiful & talented woman. She will be greatly missed…but never forgotten. I love you, Peggy! I have been blessed to have known you. Love & prayers for all the Metcalfe & Mills families.