Peggy JACOBSON

1952 - 2014

Peggy June

Jacobson

SPRINGFIELD, IL - After a long and courageous battle with two very rare forms of liver cancer, Peggy passed away quietly at home on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, with her family at her side. This girl loved life and exhibited that love in all that she did. She was so brave, a testament to her incredible faith. She has and will continue to be a witness to many of the power of God in her life. To her countless friends, she was truly a blessing.

Peggy was born in Belleville, Ill., on Feb. 11, 1952, the daughter of Tom and Myrt (Rauschkolb) Erwin. Peggy attended High Mount School in Belleville and later Belleville West High School. Peggy attended Western Illinois University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education (1974). Later that same year Peggy married her college sweetheart, Bruce Jacobson, and moved to Springfield to begin a career and family.

In college Peggy's areas of study were Early Childhood Education with an emphasis on reading. She was passionate about books and reading and to this day had a profound influence on many individuals of the importance of reading, especially her grandchildren. During her career in education Peggy was a 1st Grade Teacher in Athens; a Reading Specialist for the University of Illinois – Center for Reading, conducting Reading Research for early grades in the Springfield Public School System; taught Parenting Classes through Lincoln Land Community College; and served as a Consultant to McMillian McGraw Hill in the sale and application of Elementary School Teaching materials, again with an emphasis on Reading. Peggy also sold World Book Encyclopedias for a time, before the internet age.

Peggy was an active member of West Side Christian Church for over 35 years, and served her community through a national ladies sorority group - Beta Sigma Phi for over 37 Years. Peggy was also very active in numerous women's golf leagues in Springfield. Her biggest activity later on in life was to serve as a #1 Grandmother "Mimi" to her grandchildren. This included attending countless sporting events, plays, concerts, open houses, grandparents' day and thoroughly decorating her home to celebrate each and every major holiday.

Peggy also served her community and nation by helping the local economies wherever she went. This was accomplished by "shopping", a talent attained over years of practice. She was unmatched in her endurance. Peggy's family and friends often joked with her about this, but through close relationships with some of her "store friends" she would witness to them about the need for Christ in their life. Her motive was always about the long-term needs of the person with whom she came into contact during her shopping exploits. Nowhere was this truer than in her vacation home resort City of Galena, Ill. She literally counseled people, offered advice on their marketing and product lines, and at the same time delivered good news about the eternal home that they all needed to know about. She was very much loved and knew many merchants on a first name basis. It was not as much about the purchase as it was the interaction with old friends and making new friends.

Peggy was preceded in death by her grandson, Luke Thomas Elliott of Springfield, and her mother, Myrt Erwin of Belleville, Ill. Surviving are her father, Thomas Erwin of Belleville, Ill.; sister, Nancy (husband, Allen) Scharf of Millstadt, Ill.; her loving husband of 40 years, Bruce; a son, Joseph Bertram (wife, Lori) of Quincy; daughter, Jennifer Elliott (husband, Kevin) of Springfield; and a son, Jonathan (wife, Adrienne) of Springfield. Peggy was blessed with eleven grandchildren, Jacob, Drew, Tyler and Graceanne Bertram; Emma, Luke, Isaac, Annie, Jackson and Titus Elliott; Landon Jacobson; and a large number of nieces and nephews. Peggy was known as "Mimi" to her grandchildren who were loved and spoiled during birthdays and seasonal events. Peggy is survived by countless lifelong friends that she considered as family.

Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham, IL 62629, will be handling the arrangements.

Visitation Services will be held at West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Lane, Springfield, Ill., from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, July 11.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. at West Side Christian Church on Saturday, July 12, with a graveside service at the Chatham Memorial Cemetery immediately following the service.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made in Peggy's name to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 5250 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.

Please visit staabpolk.com for condolences.