Margaret Orum Peterson

Margaret (Peggy) Orum Peterson, a tower of strength and boundless love, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 61 in McHenry, Illinois. Born on October 1, 1964, in Highland Park, Illinois, to the late Richard and Marie Donahoe, Margaret was a cherished sister, mother, and grandmother whose vivacious spirit and warm heart left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Margaret's life was a testament to the power of strength, courage, and determination. Equal to that was her love and care. Her quick wit and jovial nature were sources of endless joy for her family and friends. She had a remarkable ability to uplift those around her, and her presence was a comforting embrace in times of need. Margaret was the loving mother of her son Jesse Limbaugh and his wife Lauren, and she was filled with pride and love for her grandchild Luellyn, whose achievements and milestones were a continuous source of happiness in her life.
Margaret was the beloved sister to her siblings Richard Donahoe and his wife Delia, Michael Donahoe and his wife Millie, Julie Amatangelo, and Kathy Nowakowski and her husband Al. She was preceded in death by her son Cody Limbaugh and her sisters Barbara Brewer and Maureen Friedel. The family bonds were a cornerstone of Margaret's life; she and her family showed a remarkable closeness and bond incredibly strong and a love just the same.
An avid reader, Margaret found solace and adventure within the pages of books, and her love for movies and music provided her with excitement and comfort at times when there wasn't much more she could do. She was eager to invite a friend or family member to join her. She truly enjoyed comedy as well as being completely hilarious herself. Anyone who shared a quick chat with her could attest.
Margaret's love for her granddaughter and family was the essence of her being. She was the matriarch who instilled values of compassion and generosity, strength but also sensitivity, nurturing, and warmth. Creating a legacy of kindness that will be cherished and continued by those she leaves behind, and her spirit was a guiding light that will continue to shine in the hearts of her family and friends.
"Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well."
In lieu of flowers, it is Margaret's request that you instead donate to the future education of her granddaughter Luellyn at https://gofund.me/b2576ca23
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen Funeral & Crematory. For information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Margaret on her tribute wall.