Elinore "Peggy" M. Fenlon

Elinore “Peggy” (Laffey) Fenlon passed away on March 1, 2023 at American Grand in Neenah, WI. Peggy was born on December 29, 1932, in Bangor, Maine, to the late William and Leona (King) Laffey. Elizabeth “Betty” (Laffey) Chittick was Peggy’s identical twin. Each of the twins entered into a nursing career, with Peggy receiving a diploma from Massachusetts General Hospital and a BS from Boston College at the age of 21.  Peggy’s nursing career covered many different aspects. She was head nurse when Memorial Hospital in Appleton opened in 1958. After receiving her Masters Degree in Education in 1975, she taught Obstetrics Nursing at Fox Valley Technical College from 1976 to 1989. She was an excellent teacher beloved by her students. 

Peggy and Joseph G. Bergomi were married on February 23, 1957. They had two daughters, Julia Overesch and Michele (Brad) Willoughby. Joseph Bergomi was President of Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company and preceded her in death on May 1, 1993. Peggy married Dr. Charles E. “Chick” Fenlon on May 19, 1995, and they enjoyed many happy years together. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2010.

Peggy loved more than anything to spend time with her family at her cottage on Moshawquit Lake, passing that love on to her family. She also loved to travel, was a gourmet cook, and enjoyed knitting, needle point and reading. She was an active volunteer in LEAVEN and the Clothes Closet.

Peggy is survived by her children: Julia Overesch, Michele (Brad) Willoughby, her 5 grandchildren: Kristin (Chris) Rechlin, Amanda (Ritchie) Linden, Joseph Willoughby, Shannon and Benjamin Overesch. And her three great grandchildren: Elise and Riley Rechlin and Ruby Linden. She is also survived by her 5 step-children: William (Marian) Fenlon, Steve (Linda) Fenlon, Dr. Mark (Julia) Fenlon, Warren (Margaret) Fenlon, Sarah (Don) Karls as well as 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, her husbands Joseph G. Bergomi and Charles E “Chick” Fenlon MD and son in-law Jeff Overesh. 

There will be a Funeral Mass on Wednesday March 8, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church of Appleton at 1617 W. Pine Street. There will be a gathering at the church before the Mass from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Interment will take place privately at St. Joseph Cemetery of Appleton.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, please fee free to make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease research.

https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout

We wish to thank the staff at American Grand and Promedica Hospice for their care over the last several years.