Familiar Faces – Peggy Canady

Often times, standing in line during life’s mundane tasks is just boring and a hassle. But other times you’ll be in Peggy Canady’s (PC) checkout line at King Soopers in Gunbarrel and life becomes a little bit nicer. Canady is “the sticker lady” at the grocery store, handing out butterflies and rainbow decals. She’s also a great conversationalist and has the sunniest smile you’re likely to see all day.

LHVC: What brought you to this area and how long have you lived here?

PC: I came out with my former husband from upstate NY 40 years ago. Though I grew up in a military family and travelled all of my life, I fell in love with the area and would not want to live anywhere else.

 LHVC: How long have you worked at King Soopers?

PC: I began working for King Soopers in 1994 after I left my hospital pharmacy tech work to work at King Sooper’s pharmacy. I have only worked as a checker for the past six years.

LHVC: What do you like best about your job?

PC: What I like best is being able to see a smile on people’s faces and comfort the broken-hearted from loss and seeing my little contribution bring big results in joy with a little light-heartedness and peace. I work in a community of people I have grown to both love and serve.

 LHVC: What is the hardest part of your job?

PC: I love working with people. Because I always have my limits of time to get to know how I can be of even more help to families and people I serve on a daily basis,that is the worst part of my job.

 LHVC: What is your proudest accomplishment at this job?

PC: There was no initial plan to give out the stickers. It sort of evolved on its own. The children loved receiving something from shopping with their moms, dads or sibling. Then I became interested in it and it became fun to lighten up the days of the women that came into the store, plus our employees. I would like to thank the community for making my days welcoming and pleasant too!

 LHVC: What is something that most people do not know about you?

PC: People do not realize my father instilled in me how to give of myself to others. If there is a need someone has, if possible, fill it and do it out of love and care because sometimes people just need someone to be genuine.

Editor’s Note: This column is part of our Q&A series about locals who are seen around in various aspects of their lives. The idea is getting to know the people behind these faces we see so often in our communities. Please send suggestions for Familiar Faces profiles to [email protected]