Peggy Sue Le Claire, 53, passed from this life into eternal life with her Lord on Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law.

Her faith, strength of character and spirit were the foundation that allowed her to courageously battle breast cancer for 10 years. It was while facing breast cancer and raising her three daughters that Peggy attended and graduated from Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, with a degree in religious studies.

She was offered and accepted, with joy, the position of religious education coordinator at St. Thomas More Church in Appleton in 1993.

Peggy went on to fulfill her dream of teaching religious studies in 1997, accepting a position at St. Mary's Central High School in Menasha.

With regret she left teaching in 1999 due to ill health.

Her volunteer efforts, however, continued to fill her days. Peggy was proud to be part of the Reach for Recovery Program in Manitowoc and Appleton. She also helped at St. Vincent de Paul and Fox Valley Humane Society. Her artistic abilities were many, but painting nourished her creative soul and set it free.

Peggy was born Jan. 29, 1949, in Manitowoc to the late Earl and Marion Le Clair. She attended Manitowoc schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1967.

Peggy married Fran Sepnieski and was blessed with three daughters whom she cherished more than words can say.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Tera and Kevin Bartelt of West Bend, her daughter and son-in-law, Dori and Chris Meneghini of Green Bay, her daughter, Katie Sepnieski of Poynette; two granddaughters, Cassidy Sepnieski and Jenna Meneghini (who were a joy beyond measure); her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and George Ellis of Ohio, and their children, Bree (Brad) Banks of Texas, Guy (fiancee Erin) of Ohio and Jeff of Ohio; her brother, Robert Le Claire of California, and many relatives and friends.

A funeral mass will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., with Father Gerald Falk officiating.

Visitation at the church will be Friday from 4 p.m. until the time of Mass.

A memorial fund is being established for the Kettle Moraine Oncology Clinic, UW-Madison Cancer Clinic and St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

The Valley Funeral Home and Crematory, Appleton, is assisting the family.