Margaret A. “Peggy” (Severance) Houle Forkner, 87, of Worcester passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 in the loving care of her family and the staff at the Life Care Center of Auburn. Born and raised in Worcester, Peggy was the daughter of Percy W. and Margaret E. (Bergstrom) Severance and lived there all of her life.

She is survived by a blended family of four sons, Peter S. Houle and his wife, Toni of Spencer, George E. Houle and his wife, Sheila of Oxford, Bruce B. Houle of Sunrise, FL and Alan Houle of San Antonio, TX; four daughters, Kathleen S. Banks of Holden, Elaine D. Vincent of Oxford, Pamela A. O’Bryant and her husband, Jack of North Oxford and Melissa A. Horgan of Worcester; a brother, Donald H. Severance and his wife, Kathleen of Francestown, NH; 27 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; nephews and nieces. Her husband of 20 years and the father of their children, Rudolph “Pete” Houle, died in 1981. Her husband, Milson Forkner died in 2003. She is also predeceased by a son, Robert Edmonds.

Peggy graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and worked in the duplicating and payroll departments at Norton Co. She was a Jehovah’s Witnesses and was associated with the Worcester Burncoat and Leicester Congregations. Peggy enjoyed vacationing with her family in South Thomaston and Rockland, Maine. She loved to draw, play the piano and solve crossword puzzles.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Peggy’s family from 10 to 11 am on Saturday, February 27, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden followed by a memorial service honoring her life at 11 am. Interment will be held privately at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leicester Congregation, 2 Chapel Street, Cherry Valley, MA 01611.