Peggy Jo Erickson Baraby, 82, passed into peace at home in Helena on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. The world will be emptier without her, but her spirit lives on in each of us who mourn her. She was born at home on May 11, 1933, in Helena, to Marie Helena Kirby Erickson and Harold William Erickson. Peggy married Charles “Chuck” Clemens Baraby on Oct. 22, 1954,in Helena. She graduated from Helena High School in 1951 and from Carroll College, B.A. art, magna cum laude, with a minor in philosophy, in 1971. As is the case with most artists in the state of Montana, she had a day job and retired as program supervisor, Child Nutrition Program, DPHHS, with 20 years of service in 1992.
Our mother had four passions: her family and close friends, her artmaking, traveling and being by the water. She was never happier than when she was boating or floating an inner tube or Styrofoam “noodle” in some body of water in Montana, Hawaii or Mexico. We crowned her the Goddess of Color and she honored her title with many good works. She was a Signature Member of the International Society of Experimental Artists, and had paintings exhibited in Montana, Texas, Michigan, Idaho, Indiana and British Columbia. Her travels took her to the Hawaiian Islands, Curacao, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, the Grand Canyon and across the U.S. for her nutrition program. She was generous with her time, her unconditional love and always knew how to stretch a meal to include spur-of-the-moment guests. As a key source of inspiration, she taught us how to use the creativity each of us was born with and how to forgive, how to teach and how to gather up and remember what is important in this life. Since 1962, and with the same group of women, she belonged to the Merry Mixers Home Demonstration Club (U.S. County Extension Service) and together they shared a life of community building.
Peggy is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles; her daughters, Kimberly Baraby Hurtle (the late Thomas Hurtle), Karen Perusich (William), Kelly Baraby (Brian Smith) and Rebecca Baraby; grandchildren Blake and Bryan Hurtle, Chase Coburn (Katarina), Renee Perusich O’Keefe (Jason) and Kevin Perusich (Andrea), Tyler Bogy (April), Charles Bogy and Jared Smith; great-grandchildren Thomas and Benjamin Coburn and their mother, Patsyann Jones Coburn, Carter and Paige Bogy and their mother, Katy Gordon, Heaven Bogy and her mother, Victoria Swanby, and Jazmine Bogy, Greyden and Kasen O’Keefe, and Emily, Drew and Kyla Perusich; several Erickson, Kirby, and Baraby cousins and their families; a circle of enduring friends; and her 19-year old cat, Rachel. Mom’s love for animals had many seek out her doorstep or find her compassion when one of us dragged a stray home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Harold, and her brother, Kirby Erickson.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a donation to our mother’s heartfelt causes: Lewis & Clark Humane Society and Montana PBS.
You may leave a message for the family at www.helenafunerals.com.
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sue moore says
Kelly and family, so sorry for your loss.
Your mom was such a wonderful lady, always interested in each and every person in her presence. And a great role model for following your dreams and living life! Sending love and peace to you all.
Don and Marva Luraski says
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking about you at this sad time. Our prayers are with you. Love Don and Marva
Slim & Sharon Miller says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Peace be in your hearts.
Love, Slim & Sharon Miller
Kimberly Hurtle says
4 files added to the tribute wall
Judy Ober says
I worked with Peggy many years ago. She was a wonderful lady. I haven’t seen her for many years so sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts are with all of you.
Judy Ober
Elaine Power says
Chuck & Family, Please know of my sincere sorrow in your loss of Peggy. May God bless and comfort you in these sad times. Elaine Power
Kimberly Hurtle says
The family will hold a celebration of Peggy’s life on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015. Friends and Family are welcome to gather at 40 N. Last Chance Gulch, The Dancing Lotus Center {next to the Parrot Confectionery} between 2-4 p.m. Kim Baraby Hurtle
465-2083
Connie Jerome says
I’m sorry this is late in arriving, I just read about your mother Kelly. We are so sorry for your families loss. Prayers of comfort to one and all — Kelly and Connie (Sands) Jerome
Patrick Frawley says
Becky, I am saddened by the news of your mother’s passing. My hope for you and your family is that in this time of sorrow your pain will be eased with the knowledge that others are thinking of you. Pat Frawley
Rinay Bender says
Kelly and Family, my thoughts are with you as you go through this time. May you feel comforted in the days to come. Sending hugs to you Kelly.
Rinay
Joan B Smith says
To all you beautiful Baraby girls…I know your mother will be deeply missed by you all, until I read her obituary I had no idea of her talent and scope of her life. You are all living testaments to her kind loving soul. I only knew her on a small level, but even the times i did see her at family gatherings she was very sweet and welcoming to me. Her generosity of spirit, lovely smiles and the joy of family will live on through you….
Joan B. Smith
jazmine b. says
miss you.