Margaret J. Chicklas, 89

ALEXANDRIA — Margaret "Peggy" Jaquith Chicklas, long time South Alexandria, and former Gilmanton Iron Works librarian, passed away at home on Nov. 18, 2025, at the age of 89.

She graduated Woodstock, Vermont, High School in 1953, and married Fred Chicklas in fall of 1954. During the early '60s they co-owned Dunkin' Donuts shops in Agawam and Chicopee, Massachusetts, with Fred's brother Nick.

Always the "cool" mom, she hauled the neighborhood kids camping, to the movies and Dairy Queen. A short stint as a driver of the Forest Park kiddie zoo's Zoomobile, she brought critters like skunks, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and even a spider monkey to local schools. Most of these critters stayed at our home at times, much to the chagrin of our dad.

She also brought home a dysfunctional rescue dog we named Dino, who became our best buddy. Locally she did trail work, fostered numerous kitties and cats over the years.

She leaves behind two sons, Andrew and Tony, along with multiple generations of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Thanks for a great childhood, Mom. Love, Andrew and Tony.

A burial at Homeland Cemetery in Bristol, will be held at a later date.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.