A slideshow of photos from her past and an apple juice toast in her honor marked Peggy Sanphy’s 100th birthdayJuly 30, celebrated with a party at Springbrook Center for Health Care, where she lives.
“I’ve worked hard all my life,” said Sanphy, who delighted at the cards and cake presented to her at the party.
Born Margaret Alice Richards on July 30, 1909, she was one of Mary Ann and John Henry Richards’ seven daughters.
Both of her parents died in the 1920s and the girls were placed in Notre Dame Orphanage on Prince Edward Island, according to her son, Mike Sanphy, a former Westbrook police sergeant. Peggy Sanphy is the only surviving daughter.
After finishing her education at the orphanage, she moved to Ottawa, where she met John Joseph Sanphy, who was visiting friends. Peggy moved to Portland, where John was living, and they married in 1945 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The next year, their only child, Michael, was born.
After John Sanphy died from a heart attack in 1960, Peggy went to work at the Italian-American Community Center in Portland and later at the Portland Press Herald, until her retirement in 1990.
Sanphy has two grandchildren, Jackie Lynn Shane and Michael J. Sanphy II, and three great-grandchildren, LeeAnna Sanphy, Dylan Sanphy and Jacob Shane.
Peggy Sanphy of Westbrook reacts in delight to festivities celebrating her 100th birthday on July 30 at Springbrook Center for Health Care.Send questions/comments to the editors.
