Ursula R. Peckham

Agawam – Ursula “Sue” R. Peckham, 98, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Woodstock, Vermont and was the daughter of the late Nellie (Carter) and Homer Robinson. She graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA. Sue’s mother sadly passed away when she was eleven months old. She was raised by her devoted grandmother, Amelia Paro, who provided a loving home. Just as Rosie the Riveter, in WWII Sue was a bomb nose welder doing her part for the war effort. Being high school sweethearts, Sue and her husband Albert began their own family and after WWII they moved to Agawam in 1947. Later Sue went to work as a secretary for Western Mass Electric Company at the Hampden Generating Station in Chicopee. She was a true artist and received acknowledgement for her incredible needlepoint, winning national awards. She enjoyed the solemnity of her crafts and bringing joy to others through her art, including detailed needlepoint, oil paintings and scrap books. Her greatest joy was her family and spending time together. Sue was a longtime member of Agawam Congregational Church, a Deacon, and member of the Ladies Aid group of the church. She baked, baked, and baked for the numerous events at the church for decades.
Sue was predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, Albert F. Peckham, Sr. in 2006. She leaves to cherish her memory her caring children: Dale Melanson of Agawam, Karen Zadworny of Springfield, Albert Peckham, Jr. and Carol of Laurens SC, and Marla Pignatare and her husband Charles of Westfield; nine grandchildren: Shelly (Amaro), Diane (Jon), Steven (Lisa), Jody (Rick), Michele (Phil), Keith, Krystie (Dan), Carla (Rich) and Marc (Kelly); twenty-two great-grandchildren: Daniel (Fan), Brianna (Eric), Andrew, Dirk (Jordan), Laken, Tory, Ashley, Gavin, Kyley, Jonathan, Krysten (Rob), Payten, Reno, Olivia, Emma, Nathan, Olivia, Addison, Giulianna, Calla, Evie and Bennett; and six great-great grandchildren: Emma, Riley, Will, Sammy, Addie, Charlotte, and two on their way. Besides her grandmother, parents, and her husband, Sue was predeceased by her son-in-law Leslie Melanson. The family would like to especially thank Sue’s faithful neighbors Duke, Joyce and Susie for their incredible support, her wonderful caretakers, and also the care received from Hospice of Western & Central Mass.
To share in the celebration of Sue’s life, family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, May 5, 2022 for a service at 11:30am at Agawam Congregational Church and burial will follow in Agawam Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Agawam Congregational Church, 745 Main St, Agawam MA 01001. Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to share a condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com.