Peggy Ruth Matthews Cashman

Peggy Ruth Matthews Cashman died peacefully in her home at Park Place of Elmhurst on Wednesday October 8, 2025.
Peggy, one of five children, was born in the small town of Pittsburg in east Texas. Peggy's father, John Gaftner Matthews, was a farmer. Peggy lived on the 400-acre Nettie Bryson farm until she was nine years old. Peggy's mother, Bessie Lake Matthews, was a teacher. The Lake ancestors came from England.
Peggy was the youngest in her high school graduating class. While working for lawyers she lived in Pittsburg, Longview and Dallas Texas, where she attended Kilgore College. Peggy met and married her Prince Charming John (Jack) Gibbon Cashman on April 5, 1959, while living in Dallas Texas. In December 1966, Peggy and Jack moved to Elmhurst Illinois where they raised their two children, John and Susan.
Beginning in 1978 Peggy studied interior design at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn Illinois, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. That same year she was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. Peggy began researching the disease and her notes became a manuscript and eventually a book, "The Mystery Guest, MG". Peggy served 10 years as a Trustee and Secretary of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois and upon retirement in January of 2012, was honored as Trustee Emeritus.
Peggy was a member of St. Peters United Church of Christ in Elmhurst, Illinois, where she served in the Woman's Guild and on the Cemetery Committee. She served as President of the Illinois Children's Home and Aid Society. She also chaired fundraisers for Elmhurst Hospital, Elmhurst YMCA and The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation.
Peggy loved to travel, and Yoga was her way to relax. She also enjoyed playing Tennis, Golf and Bridge. For fun, Peggy interned with Pat Chaffer, host of "Lifestyle" on Continental Television helping to produce their weekly show.
In May of 2012, Jack and Peggy were among the first residents to move into Park Place of Elmhurst.
Peggy is survived by her brother Marvin Matthews, her son John Anthony (Dee)Cashman, daughter Susan Kay Cashman and her grandchildren Michael John, Kevin Robert, Christopher Ryan and Matthew William Cashman. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years John (Jack) Gibbon Cashman, her brother Rex Matthews, sister Evelyn Matthews, sister Anna Hood Casteel and by her parents Bessie Lake and John Matthews.
There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Park Place of Elmhurst, 1050 Euclid Ave., Elmhurst, IL. A visitation will follow from 12:30 to 1:30 P.M. at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst, IL, with internment at St. Peters United Church of Christ Cemetery, 310 Alexander Blvd., Elmhurst, IL. Pastor Gerry Erffmeyer, Chaplain, Park Place of Elmhurst presiding.
Memorials can be made to Conquer MG, Elmhurst University Jazz Band, Providence Life Services or St. Peters United Church of Christ.
Info: 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.