Contributions to the tribute of Peggy Lee Endress

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Mickey posted a condolence

Friday, September 6, 2024

Thank you to everyone who came to any of the services or has reached out to me during this difficult time. In honor of my mom I wanted to post the eulogy I read today at her funeral “My mom was the absolute best. She loved everyone in her life and I’m sure all of Sean and my friends could attest to the fact that she treated them like her own children. I distinctly remember a conversation with mom saying that if they love you, then she loves them. Yet somehow she found a way to make me and my brother feel like the most special kids in the entire world. She would hold sentimental value to the silliest things. During Christmas or birthdays, we would routinely see her ripping off the gift labels from the wrapping paper from a gift we gave her, writing on the paper the date and what the gift was, and collecting them over the years. Before we all got cell phones, if I stopped at their apartment at Buel Ave before going to work or bowling, and mom or Erin wasn’t home, I would leave little messages on post it’s — “thanks for the sausage bread/or pizza”, “working till 7pm, see ya later” or a simple “I love you mom.” She dated those too and added them to the collection. I’ll never forget her printing out and proudly displaying ALL - yes, all - of the details of my bowling accomplishments on her bedroom door, along with all of the wonderful pictures of Sean as a kid playing his trombone or the ones he would send to her of him on a mountain hiking or kayaking on a lake. You could just tell how proud she was of us by her everyday actions. As a kid, I can’t remember her missing even one baseball game, HS bowling match or tournament, spring concert, parade, or any other musical event for my brother and me. She was a true mother. In April of 2022, after this woman went through the fight of her life in late 2021 with multiple rounds of chemo and immunotherapy and a stay in the ICU, she was STILL right behind me cheering me on as I was able to secure the Donny Walters Singles Classic tournament title. If you were at the wake yesterday and made it through all the wonderful pictures, you probably saw how proud of me she was in that picture of us and the trophy. I'll never forget that. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever and hopefully now she can help me knock out some extra ten pins from heaven. No matter what, she was there. Committed and passionate to her one true career…being a mother She loved to read James Patterson books, specifically the Alex Cross series, sing and dance to her favorite music, and watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune religiously for over 30 years. She became as crazy of a Mets fan as I am, sometimes so crazy that she would mistakenly text me about a game that she was watching during the day, without realizing she was watching yesterday's re-run. We would also offer each other suggestions on new shows or movies that we thought the other would enjoy. I’ll miss our chats about all the shows we both watched together on TV like Homeland, Money Heist, Shameless, Ray Donovan, and Billions. She was so many things to so many people. A devoted partner to Erin Cropley, who was by her side through all the ups and downs of life until her last breath. A loving sister to Ginny, Jerry, and Ronnie Lee - who will likely outlive us all even when doctors said he wouldn’t likely live past his teenage years. A dedicated aunt to her 5 nieces (Tracey, Kelly, Jennifer, Megan, Caitlin) and nephew Jamie. She would regularly give me the updates on ALL of the great things everyone was doing when she found out. A sister in law to my Aunt Mary and a loving mother in law to my wife Lauren and my brother's partner Stelar. She made them feel like a part of the family the day she met them. And a dear friend to so many. This woman was so selfless that even during the last few weeks of her life, which were extremely difficult for her, she was still expressing her concern and worry for me, Sean and Erin on how to handle things when she was gone. I’m grateful to all the doctors and successful treatments that gave us almost 3 extra years of “bonus time” as I like to call it, which included multiple family birthdays, holidays and BBQs with friends and loved ones. Even during the last month of admissions and discharges from the hospital, we were given even more “bonus time," thanks solely to Erin and her love and commitment to taking care of mom 24/7 at home for almost 3 weeks. It enabled family and friends to come visit, call, or FaceTime Mom to reminisce about their memories together. It allowed all of us to appreciate the short time we all had left with her and for that, we are all forever grateful to Erin. I’d like to conclude by thanking everyone for coming today to share in this celebration of life for my mom Peggy, may she rest in heavenly peace I love you Mom “

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Cousin Carole posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

I write this today, dear Peggy, since I was unable to drive up from Virginia where I have lived for the past 30 years, so please know that I am with you in spirit and prayer. Lovely Erin said it would be okay for me to write something about you and I am honored to do so. How well I recall when I was 16 years old, that another darling baby was born to my Aunt Fran and Uncle Bill - you were just the cutest! Shortly after your birth, you had some severe medical issues which necessitated your hospitalization. Since Aunt Fran did not drive, my Mom, your Aunt Terry (your Mom's sister) drove her to St. Vincent's Hospital every day for many weeks to be with you. Each day when my Mom would come home, she would describe this beautiful infant, you darling Peggy, with tubes, wires, coming out of your tiny feet because that was the only place they could find in your little body to attach these life saving lines. We, as a family (my brothers Ted and Tom, your Uncle Pete, your Aunt Terry) prayed for your recovery. And recover you did, developing into the prettiest little girl, joining your older brothers, Gerard (Jerry), Billy and your big sister, Ginny. When your family moved into 47 Newberry Ave to help care for your Grandma Labbate, how well I remember you bringing her whatever she needed-----a glass of juice, her pills, her cane and how important you felt. When at 19 yrs. of age, I had to have my leg amputated, your Dad explained that God needed my leg in heaven for someone - remember you were only 3 years old - and together we said a little prayer for whoever needed it. I recall how you wanted to do everything for me, help me in any way possible - so even then, you Peggy, were the person we knew you to become - loving, kind, generous, helpful, always willing to give of yourself. ( And this was the Peggy whom we all knew as an adult, raising a beautiful family, a friend to all, contributing to any organization with which she became involved.) I could write on and on about you, cousin, Peggy, but please know how much I loved you throughout my 86 years as I continue now to pray for your loved ones as they follow your legacy as a map for THEIR lives. With love and prayer. Cousin Carole

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Alyssa Cropley posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

My deepest condolences to all family and friends and all her loved her. Thank you for loving my Aunt Erin and being her partner all these years. Always two peas in a pod! Thank you for being a part of my childhood, Peggy, May you rest in eternal peace.

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Michael Endress-posting for my brother Scout posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

My mom was a parent who was the embodiment of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. A model of unconditional love, she was always available no matter where life took us--an unwavering source of kindness and support. There was something truly extraordinary about mom. It didn’t matter where we were or who we were or what path we took in life—her dedication to our happiness went beyond words. She was committed to life-long learning and helping others grow. She is a role model for what pure and unconditional love looks like. Her love was not just something you felt; it was something she lived out every day. She gave of herself endlessly, with a generosity that knew no bounds. Just a couple of months ago we stood together, hand in hand, watching fireworks light up the night sky. In that moment, I sensed that soon, she would be showering her light upon us in a new way—an eternal way. As the fireworks burst brilliantly before fading into the night, I remember walking to my car with a mix of sadness and joy, that even if this was the last one, it literally went out with a bang. It was a perfect reflection of her—bright, beautiful, and unforgettable. I know that her light will never truly fade--it will remain with us always, shining on with her guidance and beauty. Peggy loved cooking and watching others derive enjoyment from her famous pasta sauce. Whenever it would start to run out at the end of a week, she’d say she was going to "stretch" it. She’d add more tomatoes, secret spices, and somehow---miraculously, the pot would be full again. Her love was the same—no matter how much she gave, there was always an endless amount to give. May we all strive to keep our hearts as full of compassion and curiosity as hers-and to stretch ourselves to learn and grow and live a life that would make her proud. I’ve frozen the last batch of sauce she gave me, and I will savor it, just as I will savor every memory of her. She may no longer be with us, but her love, her spirit, and her lessons will live on in each of us. There will always be enough sauce to go around. My last memory of her is one that perfectly captures her spirit--dancing, creating, singing, laughing, and enjoying nature on my 43rd birthday. It was a joyful celebration, full of life, just like she was. She looked out upon the water, taking in the beauty of nature around her. We were painting rocks together like the kind of activity she would prepare for all of the children during childhood parties. Her rock, that she picked because it looked like a potato said, “I love you all.” And that’s what she would want all of you to know—that her love for each of us was boundless, as vast as the river we sat by that day and the vast ocean upon which it inevitably flows. In that moment, surrounded by nature and each other, it was clear that her love was something that connected us all, just as we are all connected to the universe. While blowing out my candles that day, I silently prayed for her to have a peaceful and dignified transition when the time came. God granted us the gift of being able to say goodbye and to let her know how deeply she is loved, even for her to read the words that you are reading today. It was a blessing to have that time together. In the midst of profound grief, I find solace in knowing that the end of her life was marked by the same grace and peace that she always brought into our lives. Scout Endress ☮️ ❤️

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The family of Peggy Lee Endress uploaded a photo

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Peggy Lee Endress

1955 - 2024

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