Peg Chila

Peg Chila

She had a boat when she was a little girl called the “can do.” It became Peg’s motto. Whenever there was a problem you could count on Peg being around. Seems she was unable to cook single portions: when people were laid up she’d coordinate the effort to bring meals to everyone. Of course Peg wasn’t always the greatest cook. Some of her earlier efforts included taking dough to a priest for a blessing and coating her entire kitchen in flour. Peg also loved the great outdoors. She started out small with a tent but eventually had every gadget imaginable in her Pop Up. If she was going for a week she was sure to pack enough for at least 2 or 3 months. Peg found it hard to stay strangers with anyone. Within ten minutes of meeting people, she would already be trading inside jokes. Turned out her family was much larger than she thought; all the kids called her Aunt Peg. When it came to fundraising Peg was all in, especially if it had to do with Epilepsy. She was proud that her sons share her love of helping others: Dom is a newly licensed nurse and Mike spends his time reassuring others who struggle with seizures.

A young electrician was working on a project at the Moorestown Mall. Peg was going to be working at the store when completed so she was always peaking in to check on the progress. Pretty blue eyes, a blue dress and matching blue shoes made all the workers swoon, but it was Joe Chila who got her attention. He’d give her his number at the completion of the job. That night she’d call. After learning some of the finer points of marrying into an Italian family (gravy not butter on your linguini) they’d exchange nuptials and settle in Woolwich Twp. They purchased “this old wreck” and spent the next year with Joe’s family fixing it up. She is survived by her father, David, her sister, Kathy Mayo; her 2nd set of siblings: Dan and Sue Chila, Vern and Mary Chila and Roseanne and Vince Lombardo, and many nieces and nephews.

Come celebrate 48 years of caring Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Gibbstown. Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Swedesboro. In lieu of flowers donations to the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeastern P.A., 919 Walnut Street Suite 700, Phila 19107 will be appreciated.

28 Comments

  1. Donna & Bob Wilgus says:

    Joe, Dom, and Mike, our hearts are heavy over the loss of Peg. May God hold her in the palm of his hand. Many prayers are with you during this difficult time. I’m especially thankful for the love and care she gave my dad during her time caring for him…will never forget how loving she was.

  2. Steve & Cindy Phillips says:

    Joe and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Peg was a wonderful and caring person! She will be missed by many! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

  3. George Weeks says:

    Hard to believe you are gone. We didn’t see each other often but you always made it seen like it was only yesterday. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Joe, Dom and Mike in this difficult time. Know that her love for you and your memories of her will help fill the hole left in her passing. God bless you all and keep you in his grace.

  4. Annie Bertie Shay says:

    Dear Joe, Dom & Mike; Kathy and sweet Mr. Hynes, my heart is filled with such raw sadness hearing the news of Peggy’s passing. Peggy was my very first friend growing up in NJ. I have wonderful memories of those early years and was thrilled to reconnect with Peg years later on Facebook. We reminisced, shared joys and challenges we had both experienced during our separation. What stands out to me the most about Peggy was her unwavering love & dedication to her family and unselfish care & compassion for friends, her community and causes close to her heart. I have no doubt that Peggy’s legacy of love & care for others will live on in the lives of her two beautiful boys. There is a sliver of comfort to know that she is with her mom, Eleanor, and my sister Susan. I can only imagine the immense group hug they are having. Peggy will never ever be forgotten. She was a bright light in our world and a warm blanket to many. So much love, strength & hope coming your way. Xo

  5. Ed and Stephanie Henry says:

    We are so very sorry to hear of Peg’s passing. She was an incredible woman with a heart of gold. Keep your beautiful memories close to your heart. You are all in our thought and prayers. Rest in peace, Peg!

  6. Clare Beatty says:

    Joe, Dom and Mike and family, As I know you all are I am still in shock over Peg’s passing. There is a scout quote that I like – it goes –

    A hundred years form now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child.

    This makes me think of peg, as I read all the facebook posts – not only of her friends – but of the kids – now young adults she touched.

    Peg I will miss our facebook chats and our online game playing – but most of all I will miss your smiling face. Joe, Dom and Mike – I hope you can feel the love and support surrounding you – Prayers for strength headed your way

  7. Lori Kershaw says:

    So sorry I am on the west coast and will miss Peg’s service. Peg always greeted me with a smile when I often was her relief on election day! Many thoughts and prayers with your family, will see you on my return.
    Love to all, God bless

    Kershaw/Richardson Family

  8. Daniel Morroni says:

    Joe words cannot describe how sad losing Peg. You and your family will be in our thoughts, who knows why some leave us at such a young age , you can only hope that the man upstairs has big plans for her. Dan Morroni

  9. Lena Calce says:

    I only met Peg a few times, but there was such a sense of calmness and serenity about her when she spoke. Her inner light drew you to her. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Joe.

  10. Daniel Reese says:

    Joe, Dom, Mike and family, so sorry for your sudden loss. Will remember all the times at the ball fields and all those brutally long days working the Polls. Joe, take solace that she is in a better place and she is watching over you.

  11. Tina DeSilvio says:

    I had the honor of meeting Peg through her hard work with Epilepsy. Her enthusiasm & drive were undoubtedly infectious, both of which were welcomed by me, a parent walking the same path. Peg’s legacy will always be a fond reminder to keep doing.
    My thoughts & prayers are with her family in this time of mourning. God bless you all.

  12. Antoinette Cocco says:

    Joe, My heart is filled with sadness for you and your two boys.. I know Peg was a Beautiful person and a great friend to many.. Joe, I am so sorry for your loss..My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.. May God Bless you, and keep you and your sons strong during this time..

  13. Jay Zayac says:

    Joe,our family sends you our deepest sympathy to your family in this time.No words can express your loss.My God give you Peace and Comfort. JAY Zayac

  14. Doug Rainear says:

    Joe and family,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these very difficult days.
    Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you in your loss. Let your faith in our God sustain you and your family in the days ahead. I will be praying for you my friend.

  15. Michael & Jennifer Cameli says:

    Joe our thoughts are with you and your boys during this time of loss. Peggy was a beautiful woman inside and out. Heaven is lucky to be graced with such a precious angel. We are honored to have been privileged with her friendship. Peggy has been in our hearts since the moment we met the incredible woman and will forever remain in such high regard in our memories. All our love goes to you now and for evermore. God Bless all of you.

  16. Lisa Carney says:

    Joe,
    I am so sorry that I am out of town and will not be able to attend Peg’s service. She was an amazing lady, mother, and advocate with a strength and warmth that made her very special. She will be missed greatly, but remembered fondly forever. Prayers of strength going out to you and the boys. God bless you all.

  17. Mary Loughlin says:

    Dear Mike, Joe and Dom,
    I remember meeting Peg at the Mardi Gras Ball and within minutes we were hugging and holding hands as if we had known each other for years. You could see how very special she was immediately. You are all in our hearts, minds and prayers at this difficult time. Sorry we can’t make it for the services but we are with you in spirit. Mary, Mike, Rena and Bill Loughlin

  18. Maria Lusi says:

    I met Mrs. Chila, a few years ago, and only talked with her a few times at Camp Achieve through the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pa. In those few times that I did speak with her, would I see her dedication in wanting to help find a cure for epilepsy. She was a strong woman who spoke so highly of her son Mike. The warmth, love and strength she had for him helped him grow into a wonderful young gentleman that I enjoy interacting with at camp each year. Mike you and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss, but please know Mom’s up there looking down on ya keeping you safe!

  19. Joe and Sharon DiMenna says:

    Our hearts are saddened by your loss. Peg was one special genuine lady and we will always treasure our friendship with her. We are very lucky that we had the pleasure of knowing her and sharing many good times together.

  20. Matthew & Lindsey Huesser says:

    Chila Family,

    Are thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. Peg was such a wonderful person with a tremendous heart. She will be missed by so many that she touched.

  21. Donna Crisante says:

    Joe and family our thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your wife and mother.

    Joe and family so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife and mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very hard time.
    With sympathy,
    Carmen and Donna

  22. Kathie amadio says:

    Joe , Dom, ,mike……I’m very saddened by the sudden loss of peg. This is a beautiful tribute to her and I’m sure she would be proud. You are all in my prayers at this time.

    Kathie amadio, and children , Eric , Luke and kali falkenberg

  23. tony zappasodi says:

    My most heartfelt condolences for your loss. Peg’s radiant light and warmth were felt by so many. Those that had the privilege of knowing her well felt her love and caring spirit in every interaction. Peg’s sense of humor brought smiles and laughs to so many people. You couldn’t help but have fun when she was with you. I was lucky to be able to call her a true friend. God bless her and the entire Chila family. With Love and prayers–Tony Zap

  24. Dave and Debbie Di Franco says:

    So sorry for your loss Joe. Really never knew Peg but I feel as if I know her as all the comments remind me of my own family. Words cannot express how sorry we we are in Peg’s passing. We pray for you and your family to get through this knowing how she has impacted so many lives. God bless her and your family. Another angel has left us to do Gods will elsewhere! May she be at peace.

  25. Nancy Gauntt says:

    My prayers are with you Joe , Dom & Mike and all Peg’s family. She always had a smile!!

  26. Russ and Denise Dersch says:

    Dear Joe and Family,
    Words cannot express our deepest sympathy. We have fond memories of our early years in Woolwich Twp with you and Peg. May all the memories help you and your family through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  27. Tholakele says:

    Cheers pal. I do aprcpeiate the writing.

  28. Toni & Mark Beltz says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. We still
    can not believe it & can only imagine
    your shock at this loss. They say only the
    good die young, so that must be true in
    Peg’s case. We know she is now one of heaven’s newest angel & is smiling down
    & watching over you. We were in NYC &
    could not make the service, but your
    family is in our hearts & prayers. Still
    can’t stop thinking about it. So ver sorry.

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