Margaret "Peggy" Ann Wilson

Margaret “Peggy” Ann Wilson, age 89, of Madison, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 15, 2025. She was born in Janesville, Wisconsin and moved to Madison, Wisconsin when she was 2. She was the youngest of four siblings. She graduated from St. Bernard’s Catholic School and Edgewood High School before pursuing nursing studies.

Peggy married Glenn Wilson on August 31, 1957, and together they raised their five children just blocks from her childhood home. Glenn passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 1990, and later Peggy found companionship and joy with Eugene Lord, who remained her partner until his death.

She was the proud mother of:

Cyndi Bernstein (Robert), with children Amy, Erin, and Kristin

Randy Wilson (Jayme), with children Terence, Jessica, Kyle, Margaret, Thomas, and Danielle

Sandi Borowski (Walter), with children Kathleen, Alison, and Wil

Susan Schoenbeck (Jay), with children Nicole, Jacob, and Ashley

Sheri Conway (Frank), with children Donald and Glenn

Peggy’s legacy continues through her 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

She is preceded in death by her husband Glenn, partner Eugene, grandson Jacob, and brothers Eugene and Robert. She is survived by her beloved sister Eileen, with whom she shared vacations, movies, dinners, and countless moments of laughter, as well as her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A Life Filled With Love and Memories

Peggy’s life was defined by devotion to family, generosity of spirit, and the enduring relationships she nurtured. She was proud of her Irish heritage, surrounding her home with Irish sayings, crosses, and symbols that reflected her roots.

She was truly a “Super Mom”—a woman who made the extraordinary feel natural, who gave without preaching, and who created a home that was a hub of laughter, love, and belonging. She devoted endless time and energy to her children’s activities, serving as a Cub Scout den leader and baseball coach—and teaching teamwork, responsibility, and joy in the little things.

She was also a master sewer, making clothes for her children when they were young (even creating matching outfits for their dolls), sewing her own and her daughters’ bridesmaid dresses, reupholstering furniture, and handling any alterations or repairs needed.

Peggy was the queen of Christmas, creating holidays that were nothing short of magical. From decorating her tree to baking endless batches of cookies, hosting Christmas Eve parties, and keeping wrapped gifts ready for unexpected guests, she ensured no one was left out. She especially loved baking cookies with her children and grandchildren, always letting them decorate freely.

Weekends at Grandma’s house were legendary. Grandchildren crowded every inch of the floor for sleepovers, fueled by frozen pizzas, Kool-Aid, popsicles, and unlimited access to the cookie drawer. Board games like Sorry!, Crazy Eights, and Go Fish filled the evenings, while mornings brought boxes of “donies” for breakfast. Peggy gave each child a kiss goodnight before heading upstairs, and when families arrived or left, she was always outside—greeting them with hugs or waving until they were out of sight.

Peggy’s devotion extended beyond her family. She devoted her career to helping others, using her nursing skills at hospitals, nursing homes, and at Davis and Duehr. While raising five children, she worked nights at Rosemary Nursing Home, somehow still managing to attend every school event despite little sleep.

She was the ultimate hostess, welcoming family, friends, and even those without local relatives into her home. Holiday and birthday parties often overflowed with guests, and her house became the gathering place for all.

Peggy loved cooking and sharing recipes, teaching others her kitchen skills—including her famous Irish Chop Suey. She delighted in simple joys: doing her hair and makeup at the kitchen table with coffee and country music, pursing her lips in concentration while chopping or writing, or speaking in a sing-song voice that turned ordinary sentences into little tunes.

She never missed calling loved ones to sing “Happy Birthday,” and she was the kind of mom and grandma who got down on the floor to play games, soothe crying babies, and generously give her time so her children could have a break.

A Legacy of Love

Peggy will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and the deep bonds she created across generations. She was a bright light—always welcoming, always smiling, always giving. Now, as she spoke about so lovingly, she is reunited with Glenn in heaven and with all the loved ones she said were waiting for her.

Her family and friends will miss her dearly but find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind—memories of holidays, weekends, laughter, and love that will continue to guide them for generations to come.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 24th at 11:00 a.m. at CATHEDRAL OF ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX 2438 Atwood Avenue (due to construction Mass will be in the school gym). The family will receive friends and family at church from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m.

Peggy will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens with her beloved husband, Glenn.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666