Wednesday, May 22, 2013
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Remembering Lucky Wishbone Restaurant Owner Peggy BrownEven though the downtown eatery will continue on, employees there say the business will never be the same.
Margaret V. Brown, one of the beloved owners of Lucky Wishbone, a restaurant serving Anchorage for over 55 years, passed away Sunday at the age of 87.
To her loved ones and customers, Margaret was known as Peggy. Her husband George said she passed comfortably and quietly at Providence Alaska Medical Center surrounded by family. Peggy battled Parkinson's disease for years. Peggy takes with her an Alaskan legacy, one that started before statehood and is still carried on by those who remember her. Located on East 5th Avenue, almost every Alaskan has heard of Lucky Wishbone. Peggy and her husband George have operated the restaurant together since 1957. “She was here as a hostess and she just loved people and she worked for about 30, 40 years with me,” said Peggy's husband, George Brown. George met his partner while she was waiting tables at a Denver restaurant. For the young pilot, it was love at first sight. “Man, I was smitten right out, so I left her a half a dollar tip, which was about $20 now in those days,” George said. On February 15, 1944, George and Peggy were joined as man and wife. “We were more in love after 30 years than probably even from the start. It was really great,” George recalled. Patti Brown Heller, the eldest of Peggy's four children, says her mother was not only her best friend, but remembers her as both kind and beautiful. “When she was first out of high school she worked in a large department store and she was encouraged at that time to go into modeling. She was a quite the beauty as a young women and actually she was beautiful as an older women,” Patti said. Peggy's winning ways combined with Lucky Wishbone's menu and employees kept customers coming in droves through the door. One patron fondly remembers when the Browns’ kids would come to the restaurant is diapers. Although the restaurant will continue on, employees say Lucky Wishbone will never be quite the same. Peggy's graciousness to her customers and loved ones will be missed. “I will miss you mamma, I do already, and I'll see you in a blink of an eye,” said Peggy’s daughter Lorelei Brown. A service for Peggy will be held April 25 at 2 p.m. at the All Saints Episcopal Church at the corner of 8th and F Street with visitation from noon to 2 p.m. |
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Barbara (Anchorage) said on Saturday, Apr 23 at 1:38 PM
It was always an enjoyable occasion to see her in the restaurant. The place became so cheerful. I would truly miss her. Thanks to the family forgive us some of her time. God shine through her life for all us to see.
65616544Sam A. (palmer) said on Wednesday, Apr 20 at 9:33 PM
I can remember going in there for lunch and she would be in there asking if everything was alright, do you need more coffee. Always smiling and she would acknowledge everyone who walked through the door. our prayers are with her family. Just know she touched many lives.
65409784Michael said on Wednesday, Apr 20 at 1:32 PM
These quiet persons who follow God are dwindling in numbers. A time of values and common courtesy and doing it well for the sake of it are, sadly, in the days gone by. No flash or glitter, just goodness from the heart of strong faith. God bless Peggy and her family as she goes hometo be with our loving father God. "Well done my good and faithfull servant." We should all take a page from peggy's book.
65381112TSgt Zanders (JBER) said on Wednesday, Apr 20 at 11:39 AM
May God be with your family during this time. Thank you for providing great quality food and friendly service to my family. God Bless :)
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