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Peggy Hillman Obituary

Peggy Hillman- daughter of Anita and James Hillman and survived by husband Herbert Kirst, sisters Barbara and Carol Hillman and many cousins and friends-was a wonderful woman. She was a retired labor lawyer who cared about her clients. When Peggy represented the Meat Cutters and Packinghouse Workers, she worked for a time in a meatpacking plant so she would know what it was like. She was the original lawyer for the women's labor organization, Women Employed. Peggy also represented members of the Teamsters Union, members of the United Mine Workers and the Illinois Nurses' Association. She was also involved in several political campaigns. Peggy, like her late father, enjoyed athletic endeavors. She was an avid hiker, bicyclist and runner. She always performed well in the many half-marathons in which she participated. She was also, like her father, an ardent traveler. She hiked in New Zealand and Turkey, and with her husband, took numerous bike trips, including one in Southwestern France. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Planned Parenthood or Women Employed. The family will be receiving condolences at the home of Barbara Hillman on Sunday, September 6th from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Those wishing to sign Peggy's guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services 269-556-9450.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 3, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peggy Hillman

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She was a good friend, and the best thing that ever happened to Herb. She is missed

steve

Friend

February 21, 2024

She was a loyal fan of Doc's. She never missed a fastpitch game. She was a lovely person.

s

January 20, 2024

Dear Herb,
We are very deeply saddened by Peggy's passing away and by the tragic circumstances.
May she rest in peace.
Jacek and Halina martynow

September 28, 2015

Dear Herbert, Barbara and Carole:
Our friend Peggy - we are so sorry to learn of her sudden death. We are the three Gale girls that own the house where Sunset Lane joins Lakeshore Road. How many years have we enjoyed sitting on the beach together? We have known Peg longer than anyone else in Lakeside. This is incredibly sad and such a loss for so many.
Beth, Nancy and Mary

September 10, 2015

Dear Herbert, Barbara and Carole:
Our friend Peggy - we are so sorry to learn of her sudden death. We are the three Gale girls that own the house where Sunset Lane joins Lakeshore Road. How many years have we enjoyed sitting on the beach together? We have known Peg longer than anyone else in Lakeside. This is incredibly sad and such a loss for so many.

Beth, Nancy and Mary

September 10, 2015

Rewa Peters

September 9, 2015

The world was a better place with Peggy in it. Our hearts are broken. The working class has lost a true champion. We have had the honor of working with Peggy from her Packinghouse days all the way to Teamsters Local 705. She was a inspiration to us and many others. She will be missed beyond words.

Jim and DeAnna Lyons

September 8, 2015

Randy Pollock

September 8, 2015

The most important loss to Peggy's sudden death are not to her many friends, but to Herbert, Carole and Barbara. But the many friends who worked side by side with Peg in the union movement are hurting too. I worked with Peggy often at Teamster local 705, and every encounter, no matter how serious and important, were a joy, both because of her skill in marshaling the facts and because of her remarkable ability to put everyone involved at ease - and confident that we were in the best of hands.

And her earthy manner of dispensing advice were always a high point of long distance phone speaker phone calls (15 years ago, before skype and teleconferences). My favorite remembrance was sitting in Gerry Zero's Teamster office with another member of his senior staff. Gerry was explaining to Peggy a scheme he (and perhaps all of us, but you never know) were contemplating. She listened patiently as Gerry described the plan then asked her "so, what do you think". The response was predictable to anyone who knew her.

Peggy:"STOOOOOOPID! STOOOOOOOPID! STOOOOOOPID!STOOOOPID! STOOOOOPID!"

Gerry: "but Peg..."

Peggy: "STOOOOPID! STOOOOPID!STOOOOPID!

Gerry: "Peg..."

Peggy: "HAVE I TOLD YOU HOW UTTERLY STOOOOOPID THIS IDEA IS?" and then hung up.

Gerry turned to us and said "Maybe we should hold off on this".

BTW, watched her court on one of our cases - a pretty good litagator too.

Paul Waterhouse

September 7, 2015

I just learned today of Peggy's passing. My heart and condolences go out to Peggy's family and friends.

Bruce Boyens

September 6, 2015

DAYLE POLLOCK

September 5, 2015

Peggy was a bright and warm light. I hope we all can find peace and calm as we remember Peggy and honor her memory.

Randy Pollock

September 5, 2015

Randy Pollock

September 5, 2015

Our heart cries out to you and your family, Herbert! We join you in the incomprehensible and devastating grief that is so suddenly visited upon your loving spirit. Peggy was a lady whose courageous life and boundless energy did justice to the most demanding of virtues. She was a vital presence, inspiring, strong, and always so helping. Her actions were of the blessed kind that makes real, tangible, positive differences, and so many are grateful for the better conditions she managed to bring to their own lives. I was myself so touched by her eager interest in my artwork, and am still feeling the joy she gave me by coming with you to my last studio opening. She was bubbling with questions and so delighted and intrigued by what she saw. My husband and I send you and your family our deepest, most heartfelt condolences, Herbert.

With soul-to-soul and heart-to-heart sympathy,

Nhat Tran and André De Tienne

Nhat Tran

September 4, 2015

As a feminist, it's fascinating to read about some of Peggy's accomplishments. She truly effected positive change for this world.
Your Michigana cycling community has installed a ghostbike at the scene.
Holding Peggy's family and friends in the light.
--admin, Michigan ghostbikes on Facebook

Karen Dunnam

September 4, 2015

I was really saddened to hear of Peggy's death and to hear how it happened. I didn't really know her, but we crossed paths in the 1070s during the Harris Bank discimination litigation. My condolences to her family and friends.

Karen Anderson

September 3, 2015

Dear Barbara, My deeprst condolences on the death of your beloved sister, Peggy. My thoughts are with you; I hope you will find peace and calm as you remember Peggy and honor her memory. Ellen

Ellen Reiter

September 3, 2015

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2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085

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