Peggi A. Maher

Peggi Ann (Dixon) Maher passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025.

Peggi was beloved mother to the Honorable Judge Brendan Maher (Pam) and the late Kevin Maher (died 2022); and cherished grandmother to Colleen, Caitlin, and Ryan Maher.

Born July 30, 1942, to Margaret and Arthur Dixon, she was sister to Hon. Patrick Dixon of St. Charles, IL (died 2011) and to Timothy Dixon of New Lenox, IL (died 2020). She is survived by sister, Maureen Ryan of Forestville, CA; sister-in-law, Judy Dixon of New Lenox, IL; and nephew, Liam Dixon of St. Charles, IL. Nephew Sean Dixon died in 2016.

Peggi graduated from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI, with a BSN and earned her master’s degree at Catholic University in Washington D.C., interning at Walter Reed Hospital. She worked at Georgetown Hospital, the Montgomery County Health Department and taught at American University. She loved her 14 years in Washington, D.C.

Peggi married John Joseph Maher (died 2017) in 1969. In the late 1970’s, the family moved to Rome, Italy for two years when John, a journalist, was offered a position there. The family traveled Europe, met and were blessed by three Popes, and stood in St. Peter’s Square when John Paul I and II were elected, attending both coronations. After returning from Italy to the U.S., Peggi and her sons moved to Rockford to be close to family.

Peggi’s true career passion was community health nursing. She was Director of Nursing Services at Boone County Health Department for 15 years, and the Supervisor of Women’s Health at Winnebago County Health Department for four years. She was an Adjunct faculty member at NIU and the University of IL and loved teaching nursing students. She served on many committees and community organizations.

In 2002 when her first grandchild was born with Down Syndrome, Peggi switched paths. She became a Certified School Nurse and took a position at Fairview Early Childhood Center working with children with special needs. Her granddaughter, Colleen, attended Fairview and became Peggi’s teacher, hero, and proof that angels exist. Peggi continued to work in the Rockford School District for 12 years.

In retirement, Peggi enjoyed reading, traveling, Starlight Theatre, her coffee group, book club, and most of all, spending time with her grandkids, family, friends, and colleagues she had made throughout life’s journey.

Peggi was a member of Holy Family Church for over 40 years. She was a woman of faith and loved her Catholic church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the non-profit Stateline Down Syndrome Foundation, 716 N. Church St, Rockford, IL 61103, which provides funding to organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford.

A Funeral Mass for Peggi will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. A visitation will be held prior, beginning at 9:30 a.m. www.fitzgeraldfh.com