Peggy Grubbs 04/13/2024

Peggy (McCarty) Grubbs, age 73, passed away peacefully at her home on April 13th, with her loved ones at her side. She was born on April 2nd, 1951 to Charles and Margaret McCarty. She was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was a 1969 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree at University of Wisconsin – River Falls.

She is survived by her husband William, son Ryan (Michelle) and daughter Jessica (Bernard) Francis, and her six grandchildren: Declan, Quinn, and Nolan Grubbs and Soruv, Sophia, and Rohun Francis. She is also survived by her siblings Pat (Linda) McCarty, Michael (Janet) McCarty, Kelly English, Stephen (Becky) McCarty, John (Linda) McCarty, and life-long friend Maureen Costanzi Menyhart as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Peter McCarty.
Peggy married William Grubbs in 1973, and their 50 years of marriage were filled with overseas adventures. She made lasting contributions to both her local community and across the globe. She and Will were teachers in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and enjoyed seeing the world on their summer breaks. When they returned home, she taught second grade in New Richmond, WI, and then later opened Maggie’s Corner Antiques on Grand Ave in St Paul and The Emporium – a bookstore, coffee shop, and antique store in New Richmond. She also operated estate sales in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin for more than 30 years.

Her infectious energy and caring nature changed lives everywhere she went. Whether she was leading the charge on a community project or encouraging a friend to try something new, she made her mark. She saw the potential in others – sometimes before they saw it in themselves – and encouraged those around her to make bold choices. She actively served her community through her leadership of the Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, the Willow River Garden Club, and the First Lutheran Church Women group. In 2020, she led the fundraising and organizing efforts to dedicate a Blue Star Memorial marker and garden at the St. Croix River Loop Trail.

Over the past 10 years of her life, Peggy fought a long battle with both Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and a type of vasculitis called Granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Her sheer strength of spirit kept her going through years of infusions and transfusions, and gradually, the diseases forced her to slow down – albeit begrudgingly. She fought very hard, for a very long time, without ever wallowing in self-pity. Her strength and determination to stay active and fully engaged in the lives of her loved ones was an inspiration for many.
Peggy shared a love of music with her beloved mother, Maggie, and she spent much of her life singing in school and church choirs. Family members often heard her melodious voice floating through the room when she was happy, and even in the difficult final days and weeks of her life, she often broke out into song.

Family, friends, and others were invited to her memorial service on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church (218 County Road K) in New Richmond. Visitation was held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) in New Richmond and also on Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the church. Memorials preferred to Willow River Garden Club. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.