Margaret Ware

MARGARET L. 'PEG' WARE, 90 ROCKFORD - Margaret L. "Peg" Ware, 90, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. in her home, surrounded by family. Born June 16, 1922, in Parkersburg, W.Va., the daughter of John Jr. and Nellie (Whan) Peppers. Her great-great-great grandfather, Col. Morgan Morgan, was one of the founders of the present-day state of West Virginia. Peg lived in West Virginia until graduating from Parkersburg High School in 1940. She then attended and graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. On June 1, 1944, she married her high school sweetheart, C. Edward Ware, in Cincinnati, Ohio; he died June 17, 2012, after 68 years of marriage. Following Ed's U.S. Navy duty in World War II, the couple settled in Rockford where he began his practice of architecture. Here they raised their family and established many lifelong friendships. Peg was a devoted, loving wife, mother, and grandmother who delighted in caring for others and sharing in their lives. She created a warm, nurturing home where family and friends were always welcome. Her homemade cookies, brownies, and desserts were enjoyed by many. Peg was an avid golfer who once scored a hole-in-one and an accomplished "First Mate" who accompanied Ed on many sailing adventures and travels to foreign lands. For many years, Ed and Peg spent winters in Delray Beach, Fla., where they enjoyed wonderful times with family and friends. Peg was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Rockford, University Club, and a former member of Forest Hills Country Club, Rockford Woman's Club and Daughters of the American Revolution. Survived by daughter, Linda (Paul) Thomton; sons, David (Jeannie) Ware and John (Kim Ruth) Ware; grandchildren, Eric (Liz) Hill, Lisa (Jeremy) Cornell, Emily (Peter) Engel, Ben (Kate) Ware and Emma Ware; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Ines Hill, and Samantha Ware; sister-in-law, Joan Peppers; four nieces and one nephew. Predeceased also by her parents and brother, John W. Peppers III. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to oncologist, Dr William Edwards who provided extraordinary care for Peg over the past 28 years, enabling her to enjoy many memorable years as a breast cancer survivor. Also, special thanks to incredible friends, to caregiver, Casey Perez, and to Rebecca and Deb of Northern Illinois Hospice for their caring support during the past several months. Celebration of life service at noon Monday, Oct. 15, at the Visitors' Center/Dining Room at Anderson Japanese Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Northern Illinois Hospice or to the charity of one's choice. To share a memory or online condolence, olsonfh.com.