Margaret “Peg” Grant Wayness Rebne

May 1925 – January 2021

Margaret “Peg” Rebne

Margaret “Peg” Grant Wayness Rebne departed this life January 31, 2021, full of  years and pretty much tuckered out. She loved life and took care of every living thing at every opportunity.

Peg was born in Galashiels, Scotland in May 1925 to Andrew and Agnes (Paterson) Wayness. She and her 3 siblings grew up during the Depression and WW2 with all its rationing. She never spoke in bitterness about this time but recalled all that came of it—a caring and close family and an appreciation for what she did have.

After completing her schooling, Peg enlisted in the Women’s Royal Navy Service—the WRENs. Peg drove the airplane fueling trucks, and decorated the airplanes with her artistry. After the war, she took up hairdressing to earn her living. She became acquainted with Arne Rebne, a natty dresser and witty charmer, but a very bad dancer. Even though he was late to their dance-date, she waited for him—she knew he was “the one.” They were married in Scotland in June 1950, and sailed on a Greek vessel to Canada, where they honeymooned in Banff and settled in Ontario—and the first baby of five arrived 9 months later!

Arne and Peg lived in Canada, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire and in their retirement, landed in Cannon Beach, Oregon, where the weather brought back to Peg her beloved Scotland. A couple of years after Arne passed away, Peg moved to Kirkland, Washington where she lived in an apartment until the last month of her life.

Arne and Peg’s marriage was affectionate and fruitful, full of adventures in the air and on the seas.  They met interesting people, traveled to exotic islands, to Canada and the US to visit family and friends, and back to Scotland to renew fond memories. Peg was a magnificent entertainer, a boon to her husband, the master salesman.

Peg had a soft spot for all living things. She fed the crows who had gained her interest. She tamed two feral black cats, enticing them with treats (she named them Lucky and Cautious). She was an avid gardener, loving to “get her fingers into the dirt.” Even into her last days, she cared for a lot of plants on her little balcony.

Peg enjoyed making a warm home for her family. She was a wonderful and adventurous cook. She made clothing for her family, hooked rugs (part of the Maine Happy Hookers), did all sorts of needlework, knitted sweaters and baby clothes, read a lot of books and worked endless crosswords—in ink. She loved music—especially if she could sing along (she knew All The Words), and if the music got her toes tapping, well, that was heaven to her! And she loved to tell a story.

Peg was a good sport and met unexpected events with curiosity and equanimity—“That’s life!” Even when she faced medical challenges, instead of whining, she asked good questions about what was going to happen, and kept her decision-making clarity to the end. She was not a worrier, and lived her life without regrets, happy with what she had enjoyed in a rich and full life.

She is predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Arne, her brother Jim, her daughter-in-law Carol Jo Rebne, and her son-in-law, Michael Gragnolati. Survivors include her sister Isabelle (Isa) McDonald of Canada, her brother Bill Wayness of Galashiels (June); her children Marilyn Gragnolati of South Carolina; her sons Glenn (Patty) Rebne of Washington; and Alan of Colorado; her daughters Brenda (Jerry) Rollins and Gail (Danny) Dow of Maine. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews in three countries.

Peg was laid to rest next to her dear husband Arne in Evergreen Cemetery in Seaside, Oregon.

May her memory be eternal and her rest with the saints.