Chamber remembers ‘Peggy’ Kleist
When someone called the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and visited its office at the Shell Factory, Marguerite “Peggy” Kleist was always the first one you would see or hear.
She also did much more in her many years of service, and she was remembered Saturday at a memorial service at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park in Fort Myers.
Kleist, 92, died on Feb. 21. She lived in Michigan for many years before moving to the Fort Myers area, where she lived for 37 years.
Marguerite worked for the Home Folks Mobile Home Sales for many years, but she is most remembered as the person who for years greeted visitors as a volunteered at the Chamber.
“She was the big smile of the Chamber. She helped people over the phone. If they came in she would assist them by finding brochures, getting information for a function or referrals to a Chamber member,” Deb Giacalone of Rockstar Realty said. “She was very pleasant and made time for everybody.”
“She loved to help and volunteer and go out with her girlfriends for dinner twice a week,” said John Gardner of Lee County Insurance. “I would joke with her and ask what she attributed her spunk at her age to. She said red wine. She was always willing to do what you asked her to and the epitome of a Chamber volunteer.”
Mary Havener, former director at the Chamber from 2003-06, remembered Marguerite, who was on the newsletter committee, as a diligent worker who never missed a day, worked hard, and was always there to lend a hand.
“She was one of the nicest ladies I have ever met. She went out of her way to help anyone who walked through the door,” Havener said. “If she didn’t know the answer to a question she would find out and call them back. She helped so many people, for free.”
Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Joseph Kleist. She is survived by her children, Kathleen (Armando) Cavazos, of Pleasant Ridge, Mich., Joseph (Kim) Kleist, of Corona, Calif., Stephen (Claire) Kleist, of Augusta, Ga., and Laurie Kleist, of Fort Myers, as well as 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and her siblings, Kay (Ralph) Lang and Leah Browning.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.