Margaret McCormick (Hannah) Wolf

Margaret McCormick Wolf (Hannah), a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and Co-Founder of Peggy Lawton Kitchens Inc., died of old age on December 19, 2010, leaving a legacy of 96 fruitful years behind her.

The first of three children, including Isobel and the late William, Peggy was born in Scotland on October 24, 1914. Coming into the world with a will to live, Peggy was born after her mother was rescued from a grounded ship. Though Peggy was not expected to survive, her mother followed the successful advice of the family doctor to feed her with a junket-like custard and allow her to breathe in the air from the animal barn. Perhaps, these recommendations contributed to the spirited woman who Peggy became.

The Hannah family dwelt on a farm near the sea where Peggy’s father raised chickens and ducks for egg production. When Peggy was nine, she and her family moved to Canada, and finally, to the U.S.A. There, she attended public school in Trenton, New Jersey and went to Plymouth Bretheren Church, where she met her future husband, Lawton. They both attended Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. On May 25, 1935, Peggy and Lawton Wolf were married and proceeded by steamboat up the Hudson River for their honeymoon in Vermont.

Lawton’s series of jobs brought the couple from New Jersey to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Kathleen, their first child was born. After the war, Peggy and Lawton journeyed to Dedham, where they opened The Sampler, a small downtown restaurant. Here, Peggy’s fudge brownie recipe began its journey to fame. Observing the increasing demand for Peggy’s luscious delights, the couple sold The Sampler and opened Peggy Lawton Oven Confections in 1949. This same year, William, their second child, was born. The success of this new enterprise launched a continuing legacy of high-quality baked brownies and cookies, sold in portion packages.

In 1962, Peggy Lawton Kitchens moved to its fifth and present location in East Walpole, Massachusetts. Two years later, the bakery was destroyed by professional arsonists, intent on bringing cookie and brownie production to an abrupt end. But, due to the integrity and hard-working nature of Peggy and Lawton, bakery employees united to construct a new facility in a matter of 84 days. Maintaining Peggy and Lawton’s legacy, the bakery continues to sell cookies and brownies from Peggy’s original recipe.

In their later years, Peggy and Lawton settled in Needham, at North Hill, where they spent the warmer months and frequented Grace Chapel in Lexington. During the wintry months, they traveled to Escondido, California, living in the Lawrence Welk Village. After an admirable 69 years of faithful marriage, Lawton passed away, and Peggy remained in Needham, continuing to uplift her family and support the business begun many years before.

Throughout her lifetime, Peggy proved to be a lovely woman, devoted to God and her family. With a streak of stubbornness and a spark of liveliness, Peggy had a vivacious personality. For Peggy, generosity was a way of life. She could not abide observing someone who did not have their needs sufficiently provided for. She stood up for what was right and was not afraid to voice her opinion on issues, even if it meant causing raised eyebrows.

Another characteristic of Peggy was her love for dogs. As a busy mother, she raised a Collie and a Dalmatian and, years later, enjoyed the guide dog trainee puppies, cared for by her grandchildren. Also, she loved colorful flowers and music and would brim with thankfulness whenever either of the two were presented to her.

Another notable part of Peggy’s lifestyle was her cleanliness. Having been trained as a nurse, Peggy was a true believer in the spotlessness of her home and bakery. Additionally, one of Peggy’s many joys was cooking. Eagerly, she garnered valuable tips from the Julia Child show, which she applied to her own cooking, delighting family and visitors alike.

Dynamic, industrious, and diligent, Peggy Wolf was a woman of noble character. She brightened the lives of many, not only by her delicious confections, but also by her venerable life. After 96 fruitful years, she has served as a blessing and an example to many.

Formerly of Dedham, Weston and Dover. Devoted mother of Kathleen M. Wolf of Birmingham, AL and William H. Wolf. Mother-in-law of Barbara A. Wolf. Grandmother of Bethany, Heidi, Hans, Ariel and Schuyler Wolf, Jennifer (Pittman) Beatty, the late Scott Lee Pittman and the late Robin Wolf. Great Grandmother of Lauren and Landon Beatty.

Visitation Wednesday December 22nd from 3pm - 7 pm at the Holden-Dunn-Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock Street. Westwood, MA. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday December 23rd at 11:00 am at The Dover Church, Springdale Ave. at Dedham St., Dover, MA.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Navigators Memorial Department, P.O. Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934 or Guiding Eyes For The Blind www.guidingeyes.org.