If She’s Sitting, She’s Knitting

Gananoque woman spends retirement helping others

Sitting in her recliner chair by a window that overlooks a garden full of spring blooms, Peggy Wiechno is enjoying purpose and meaning in retirement.

A resident of Carveth Retirement Lodge, the 93-year-old smiles brightly talking about the almost 400 pairs of mittens she has made for local children since moving to the home one—year ago last April.

“I knit a pair a day,” says the friendly woman in May 2025. “I’ve been knitting all my life. Up until recently, it was matching hats and mittens. Now, I just knit mittens for daycares and schools. My church even sends them to a children’s hospital in Moosonee.”

Sitting in her comfortable room surrounded by pictures of her family and friends, Peggy reflects fondly on her life. She was born in Lansdowne where she lived until 1963 when she bought and opened Tedford’s Lakeside Lodge with her late husband. After her husband’s death, she sold the lodge and remarried. She moved into Carveth Retirement Lodge shortly after the death of her second husband.

Peggy is a world traveler who has been to 41 countries. She has three children, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.

Asked about living in the retirement lodge, she notes, “It’s fine. I can’t believe how the year has gone. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy in general. You just have to be interested in things. I still love to read and enjoy music.”

Opening the middle drawer of her dresser that is filled with beautiful mittens with intricate designs and colours, she says, “When this middle drawer is full, I find a home for them. I think my knitting is an addiction at this point. It’s a real labour of love.”

In addition to her knitting, Peggy has also helped the community in other ways. In 2014, she won the Senior’s Achievement Award for her years of dedication, hard work and contributions to the Brockville Annual Snowsuit Campaign.

Peggy’s humility and kindness shine through in every conversation.

“The other people who were honoured that day were doing such great work. My contributions seemed so trivial compared to what they did,” she says humbly.

Carveth Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Peggy Wiechno who turns 94 this summer. Peggy hasn’t bought yarn in years, but is now running low. Donations are appreciated! To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-382-4752. Seen in the picture, Peggy is with her niece, Dianna Grier, who also knits.