Peggy Marilyn Neel McCausland Kanakis

April 19, 1949 - May 11, 2021

Peggy Marilyn Neel McCausland Kanakis April 19, 1949 – May 11, 2021 Peggy Kanakis best known as (Peggy Marilyn, Grandma Peggy, Aunt Peg, Favorite Auntie, and Richard) died May 11, 2021 at the age of 72. She was surrounded by her loving family. Peggy was a fighter, her valiant struggle with her health over the past five years was an example to all of us how to fight with dignity, determination and courage. Peggy was born April 19, 1949, in Provo, Utah, to Earnest Lloyd and Hazel Grace Neel (Shine). Peggy always considered her brother Ray, and sister Carol to be her best friends. Her earlier years were spent palling around with her favorite cousin/sister Maggie. Often mistaken as twins’ in school they would call them Peggy and Meggy. She married Gary Scott McCausland, March 13, 1967. Later divorced but remained friends. They had two children, Natalie Ann and Nicholas Scott, (Nis and Nat). Natalie was Peggy’s sunshine. Peggy was so proud of her, couldn’t wait to brag about her quilts, and her housekeeping but most of all what amazing mother she is. Peggy would never miss the opportunity to tell her family and friends how much she Loved and appreciated Natty. Natty's love and care for her mother was top notch. Natty poured her heart and soul into taking the best care for her mother over the years. Nick (Nicky) was her little man. She loved watching him play sports and most of all his boxing. Peggy would never miss the opportunity to tell anyone who would listen about what a talented artist Jentrey is; along with being the most attentive Dad and Husband. Peggy was so excited to have Granddaughter. Megan was her beautiful little diva. She was always so impressed with her flawless makeup and was eager to point anyone to Meggie for makeup tips. Meggie was her “sweetpea”. Her Great Grandkids brought her the most joy. Max was her little professor; always curious, loves learning and had so many questions. (excuse me can I ask you something) Xander was her little Van Gogh making her homemade cards and painting of all kinds. Walking in his dad’s footsteps. She was so overjoyed to have Hazel named after mother. Hazel was her little pocket pal; always hanging on one leg. She was so proud to be their Richard and would love every second they were around. Through Covid; she would jump at the chance to share accolades about her hero Jessica. She is the best nurse at the hospital. She loved Jess for loving her Jent and taking such good care of her motley crue. Peggy loved painting ceramics, gardening, camping, fishing, bowling and was an amazing cook. She was best known for her green chili (Jane Bullocks couldn’t hold a candle too) and everyone craved her homemade noodles with chicken or beef. (Better than any Peck.) Her Jump the Fence Salad and Shrimp Macaroni was better than yours. Texas Sheet Cake was always everyone’s favorite. Peggy worked over 30 years cooking and caregiving for Wasatch Mental Health. Peggy loved her job. Although her job was hard at times, she found it to be rewarding being able to pour love into every dish and making everyone she cared for feel special. She remarried in 2002 to Stanley Costa Kanakis (The Greek). He gave her the endearing nickname everyone called her from then on, “Richard.” Peggy will remain Stans Brown Eyed Girl. We will miss her sense of humor, her feisty personality and going to Red Lobster for shrimp. Her wide bright smile. Her phone calls to family to say “I love you with my whole heart” and her words “Love you to the Moon and back” her Singing “you are my sunshine, love you a bushel and a peck, you hung the moon.” Will be some of our favorite memories. The unconditional love she poured into us will always be seared on our hearts and will be her greatest legacy. Although it was hard to let go, we find comfort knowing she is embracing her sweet Nick again along with the blessed reunion of her parents and her best friends brother Ray and Sister Carol. Peggy will be greatly missed by her husband, Stan, daughter, Natalie Chynoweth, grandson, Jentrey (Jessica) McCausland, granddaughter Megan Don, and three great grandchildren, Max, Xander, and Hazel. Many Step-children, nieces, nephews, cousins and forever friends. We Love you to the Moon and Back! Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service, 11 am, Saturday May 22, 2021, at LDS Church, 550 North 500 West, Orem, Utah 84057.