Peggy L. Deming

Peggy L. (Johnson) Deming, Age 80, of Elmira, NY, passed away January 11, 2010 after an extended illness surrounded by family in the Skilled Nursing Facility at St. Joseph's Hospital after care at Bethany Courtyards Alzheimer's unit. She was born March 8, 1929 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, daughter of the late Walter Scott and Pauline (Pearl) Johnson. A graduate of Nichols High School, Nichols, NY, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira for 56 years, serving on the Elizabeth Guild and Board of Christian Education. Peg loved her family, music, crafts, antiques, swimming, boating, birdwatching, and anything that made her laugh. She enjoyed annual family vacations in the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River near Clayton, NY. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was predeceased in 1999 by her loving husband of 51 years, Rexford Shirley Deming. She is survived by her adoring family: daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne and Frank Pirkheim of Carlisle, PA; granddaughter Ellen (Pirkheim) and husband Blake Jankewicz of Worcester, MA; grandson Stephen Pirkheim of Carlisle, PA; granddaughter Katelin Pirkheim and fianc Rocky Brent of Carlisle, PA; son and daughter-in-law Scott and Susan Deming of Elmira; granddaughter Lindsay Deming, companion Michael Fenton, and great granddaughter Juliet Poole, all of Elmira; grandson Brian Deming and companion Mallory Chapman both of Elmira; grandson Christopher Deming of Elmira; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Debbie Deming of Elmira; granddaughter Jaime Deming and companion Brandon Levanduski both of Elmira; granddaughter Jennifer Deming of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter Ashley Deming of Elmira; son Michael Deming and companion JoAnne Stowell, both of Elmira; granddaughter Grace Deming of Bentley Creek, PA; daughter and son-in-law Carrie Deming and Lee Walton; grandsons Wade and Cole Walton, all of Tampa, FL. She is also survived by her sister Mary (Eleanor) Johnson of Vestal, NY and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by grandson Logan Matthew Pirkheim. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours to be held at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols, NY on Wednesday, January 13th from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services and a celebration of Peggy's life will be held on Thursday, January 14th at 10am at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dr. Betsy R. Crimmins, officiating. Interment will follow in the Nichols Cemetery. The family will also receive friends at a gathering and time of sharing pictures and refreshments on Thursday, January 14th from 4 to 6 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira, 1054 West Clinton St., Elmira. Flowers will be provided by the family and memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira, 1054 West Clinton St., Elmira, NY 14905 or the Alzheimer's Association, 435 E. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14620 in loving memory of Peggy L. (Johnson) Deming.