Helen "Peg" (LaFlamme) Sappington

After 97 years, almost all of it living in and dedicated to her hometown of Munising, Helen (Peg) Sappington died peacefully at Medilodge, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Peg was born in Munising on February 20, 1925, to Arthur and Elma LaFlamme, and she grew up on the family farm on St. Martins Hill. After graduating from Mather High School she worked at the Woodenware in Munising. In 1946, she married Bill Sappington, who had arrived in Munising when he was assigned to the old Coast Guard station. They lived briefly in the Detroit area, where she worked at Parke-Davis, but returned to Munising. Peg worked at the Munising Co-op, and then became a full-time homemaker living back on St. Martins Hill, not far from her childhood home.

Peg kept busy raising her two daughters and as a volunteer for many activities and organizations in Munising, such as: Silver Echoes Drum and Bugle Corps, Munising Senior Center, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She participated in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Peg also was known for her baking skills. Her donuts, rolls, pies, cakes, cookies and pasties were enjoyed by family and community members alike.

Peg was a strong and loving woman with a resilient spirit. After Bill died in September 2004, Peg lived independently for 14 more years, moving into Medilodge at age 93. Peg was a familiar sight around town, driving her scooter to, among other things, the Fourth of July parades, and to Binsfeld Bayshore Park for summer Tuesday night concerts and The Cooking Carberrys pizza.

Peg is survived by her daughters, Cheryl DePlanche of Negaunee and Jeanne Sappington of Marquette; and her sister, Nancy Prunick of Munising. Her eldest grandchild, Kim started calling her Maw and it stuck with her for life.  Maw is survived by her grandchildren, Kim (Jack Sohns) Cook, Linda (Tom) Charboneau, Bob (Jacqui) Cook, and John Greis; and her great grandchildren, Justin, Jake, Nikki, Diana, Sara, Bobby, Grace, Ryan, Emily, John and Katelyn. Peg also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband Bill, Peg was preceded in death by siblings Eva Thayer, Jeanne Carberry, and Bud LaFlamme; and son-in-law Mark DePlanche.

A celebration of Peg’s life will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Munising Baptist Church, N6285 Connors Road, Wetmore.  Greeting and visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service led by Pastor Jason LaFlamme – Peg’s youngest nephew.   Family and friends will be invited to stay for a light luncheon following the service.