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Margaret "Peggy" Ellen O'Malley, 67
Margaret "Peggy" Ellen O'Malley, 67, of Naples, FL died at 7:10 A.M. Sunday, September 1, 2013 in Naples.
Born July 22, 1946 in Lafayette, IN, she was the daughter of Clement J. and Alice (Finch) O'Malley. Peggy never married and is survived by three brothers, James P. "Pat" (Maureen) O'Malley of Three Rivers, MI, Robert M. (Mike) O'Malley (Nichole Buckmaster) of Bonita Springs, FL, Thomas S O'Malley (Deborah Talbott) of Lafayette, IN, and one sister, Alice Catherine (Art) McElhaney of Bonita Springs, FL. She was very close to her niece, Shawn Galloway and great nephew, Tyler Kalachnik, both of Indianapolis, along with many nieces and nephews from coast to coast. She was blessed with great nieces and nephews and they were a joy to her. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Mary Ann Galloway and Jane Adrian.
Peggy graduated from Wellington High School in 1964. Following high school graduation, she attended Patricia Stephens School in Chicago. In 1970, she graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in history. She received her Master's degree from the University of Hawaii. She began teaching at Grant Middle School in Springfield in 1974 with a special interest in Civil war history and she continued her lifelong learning on this topic. Peggy was instrumental in helping at-risk youth through a vocational "school to work" program in Springfield, IL. As her career progressed, she became a leader in the Indiana state Government, being appointed the Deputy Director of Workforce Development while serving under Governor Frank O'Bannon.
Peggy was a sister, an aunt, a teacher, an activist and a friend. She was active in the political community which included volunteer work on several of the Democratic campaigns. She was an avid animal lover, especially dogs, and spent a good deal of her free time gardening and shopping. Peggy was widely respected by her teachers and colleagues along with her students. She adored and loved all those she called family and always looked forward to the next family gathering. She retired to the Bonita Springs-Naples areas of Florida and was active in the Bonita Springs Shell Club along with the social activities in Hunter's Ridge and the Grand Pines community. She enjoyed being in the rural country setting of Benton County, near her childhood home. Peggy will leave an everlasting memory of a love of learning and love for her family and friends.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Society. The Brown-Alkire Funeral Home in Hoopeston, IL is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peggy was not only a dear friend after we served as interns together with ISBE, but she was a special inspiration for her intelligence and leadership. My life was enriched because she was in it. I felt honored to be included in her circle of friends. She was a special lady.
Sandy (McCamy) Martin
August 29, 2021
So sorry to hear of Peggy's passing. I met her through Shawn in Indianapolis. My condolences to the entire family, and especially Shawn. Doris Fox
October 7, 2013
My condolences to Peggy's family. I worked with Peggy for many years and her impact on statewide Career and Technical Education is still felt across the state today. She was a genuinely nice person, who helped a lot of students find their educational and career passions. She will be long remembered.
Jon Groth
September 9, 2013
I just heard about Peggy's passing from my sister Kay. Peggy graduated from NIU as did 2 of my children! I always liked her and the rest of the family. We had lots of fun going to St. Mary's in Dunnington, Ind. I liked staying over night and playing with her and Cathy. Go Ambia, Ind!!!!
Marianne Herboth
September 9, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
September 7, 2013
I pray for peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Doug & Debbie Raub
September 6, 2013
Peggy was an inspiration to me. She was always a "thinker" about big ideas and was truly, truly "all about" the students and their opportunities. I've lost a mentor and a friend.
Carletta Sullivan
September 6, 2013
To Peggy's family:
I had the honor and privilege of working with Peggy while she was employed at Department of Workforce Development. I regularly won the silent auction lunch with her. One year I was able to double the bid by letting another employee win lunch with her instead. The memories I have of Peggy bring a smile to my face. It was nice to read how much she enjoyed her remaining days in Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Bobbie Barry
Bobbie Barry
September 5, 2013
Dear Mike & Family,
My deepest condolence to you & your family in the loss of your sister. May you remember the great memories of her & keep them close to your heart. Wanda (Marko) Lyons
September 5, 2013
I met Peggy when she I and became interns with the Illinois State Board of Education and we went on to be colleagues with a state agency in Indiana. I not only count Peggy as a dear friend, but she was an inspiration. Her intelligence and drive exceeded that of the most, but it was her compassion and "down-to-earth" comfort with herself that belied the many significant positions to which she rose. It was a distinct honor to be included in her world.
One of the most humorous reflections I have of her is the fact that we could be anywhere in the country, any large city, and somehow she would start a conversation with someone to learn that they, too, came from, or close to, her small rural home town roots. She had the ability to draw anyone into a conversation and more times than not discover some kind of connection.
Even though I haven't had the pleasure of Peggy's company for many years, I will miss having her in this world. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family. I didn't know many of family members, but I know the pride and love she felt for Shawn and Tyler and how important her extended family was to her. The world was a better place because she was in it.
Sandy (McCamy) Martin
September 4, 2013
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Brown-Alkire Funeral Home - Hoopeston309 E. Washington St. , Hoopeston, IL 60942
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