Peggy Reardon, director of retailer Glasswells, passed away on 15th October at the age of 92.
Peggy was the only daughter of Jerry Glasswell, the home furnisher’s founder, and the aunt of current MD, Paul Glasswell.
Peggy began work in the family business in an official capacity in 1948, but had helped her father from when the first shop opened 75 years ago. Her skills involved bookkeeping, mathematics and general accounting, having worked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for three years.
Peggy’s day-to-day work at Glasswells ceased when she brought up her two daughters Shelley and Sarah. However, she remained a director of the business, and played a significant role in guiding it over many years.
Paul Glasswell says: “Throughout her life, Peggy was very supportive of my grandfather, father, and of course her husband, Tim, who she married in June 1954, and who was also a director of the company.
“When my grandfather, Jerry, took a back seat, the business of Glasswells was very much conducted by my father, mother, Peggy and Tim – together they successfully made the company what it is today. They took on the original thoughts of Jerry, carrying on the business as being very concerned with high levels of customer service, fairness and honesty.
“Peggy was a very thoughtful lady, not just in business, but she also had a keen concern for the welfare of staff and took great pleasure in visiting the branches at Christmas time to deliver homemade mince pies. She took time to get to know our staff and had an excellent memory when it came to the goings-on of children and family life, and really enjoyed chatting with everyone at our Christmas parties.
“It is very sad to lose a family member who has played such a vital role in the progress of Glasswells. We are celebrating our 75th anniversary this year and have spent a lot of time looking back through the archives. There is a tremendous amount of history that makes up the story of Glasswells and it remarkable to think that Peggy was there, every step of the way. We will all miss her very much.”
A service of thanksgiving will take place on 10th November at 12:45pm, at Fornham St Martin Church.
