Margaret Mary “Peggy” Burns, age 97, of Port Washington, WI; formerly of Homewood, IL; peacefully passed away with her family by her side Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Horizon’s Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon, WI.
She was born on February 14, 1922 in Chicago, IL; daughter of Edward L. and Mary Catherine Handley White. Peggy grew up in Homewood, IL, graduating from St. Joseph parochial grade school. After attending Catholic boarding school in Davenport, IA, Peggy returned to Illinois.
On November 30, 1946 she married Oliver James Burns, also of Homewood, IL at St. Joseph’s Church. Together they raised their family on 216th Place in Matteson, IL. She would later go back to school, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and work at various nursing homes.
In 2005, Peggy moved to Port Washington, WI to be closer to family.
Peggy was a strong woman of faith, active within Christian Women groups through St. Lawrence O’Toole parish in Matteson for over 40 years. She found joy in bringing people together over a lovingly prepared homecooked meal, and hosted countless dinners and parties for family and friends. She had a deep appreciation for literature and poetry, penning a wealth of beautifully articulated letters, blessings, greetings, and well-wishes for those she loved.
She is survived by her children Robert O. (Patricia) Burns of Roselle, IL, Marian (Richard) Baud and Roseanne (Dave) Eichenhofer, both of Port Washington and Walter J. (Tereasa) Burns of Conifer, CO; eleven grandchildren Richard O. and Gregg A. Baud, Katie Spenner, Christopher R. and Margaret N. Burns, Naci Burrows, Allie M. and Joseph O. Eichenhofer, Kristen C. and Peter J. Burns and Robert Everett. She is further survived by six great-grandchildren Emma, Jack, Aiden, Oliver and Ella Baud and Henry Spenner, her sister Nancy Warner of Gulliver, IL, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Oliver on October 31, 1993 and her brothers John T. “Jack” and Richard J. “Dick” White.
Family will receive relatives and friends 3-5PM Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL. Her Memorial Mass will take place at 11:30AM Monday, February 24 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 17951 S. Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL. Interment will take place in Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood, IL.
Memorials to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003-7991 (www.bvmsisters.org) or Horizon’s Lawlis Family Hospice, 11400 W. Lake Park Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53224 (www.horizonhomecareandhospice.org) appreciated.
My thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you on the loss of your wonderful Mom. She was an amazing, loving strong woman and she will be missed by so many of us that loved her. I feel honored to have known her and been a friend.
I think she should have been a chef, this woman could put together the best meal ever and in so little time.
R.I.P Peggy Burns, you will never be forgotten.
Thinking of all of you throughout this cherished and difficult time. Grandma Peg will be missed by so many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. May you find comfort in the memories of MOM. God’s blessings to you all!