Margaret Shepherd

Margaret Elaine Shepherd

"Peggy"

Age 89 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Sunday evening June 8, 2014 at her home surrounded by family.

Born February 3, 1925 in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Margaret Elaine was the daughter of the late John A. and Isa E. Young-Assmann. There she was raised and educated before marrying Royce "Shep" Shepherd on July 8, 1944 in Santa Ana, California. Together Peggy and Shep resided in various states including South Dakota, Colorado, Georgia, Nebraska, and New Jersey, before settling in Wilmington, Illinois in 1959. There Peggy belonged to the Brookside Mothers' Club, sold Avon, and was a Den Mother for Scout Pack #458. Prior to going into the private sector providing care for several long term friends, Peggy worked at a bank, at the Provo, South Dakota Army Depot, and at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Illinois as a LPN. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, and P.E.O. Chapter GK. Peggy also volunteered her time with the Joliet Area Community Hospice. She enjoyed playing cards, walking, crocheting, and keeping in touch with dear friends from years past. Peggy will be remembered for her love of spending time with family and friends. She will also be remembered for her dedication of corresponding through cards, notes, letters, phone calls and personal visits.

Survivors include her children: RoyceElaine "Lucky" Shepherd Clark of Aurora, Colorado, Margaret (Jerry) Wilburn, Curtis Shepherd (fiancAC. Debbie Bell-Karaszewski), and Dean (Beth) Shepherd, all of Wilmington; grandchildren: JulieMarie Shepherd and SarahJanae Shepherd, both of Aurora, Colorado, Mark (Denise) Wilburn of Wilmington, Jenna Wilburn (Nick) Gonzales of Parker, Colorado, Stacy Wilburn of Braidwood, Doug (Heather) Shepherd of Boca Raton, Florida, and Hannah, Brett and Evelyn Shepherd, all of Wilmington; two step grandsons: Christopher Crescenti of Minooka and Kevin Crescenti of Wilmington; great grandchildren: Malorie, Gavin, Aaron Wilburn, Mackinley and Grant Wilburn, Christopher Faris, Haley and Autumn Crescenti and Connor and Dakota Shepherd; one sister-in-law Pattie Lee Wilson of Georgia and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, as well as her dear caregiver Tseegii Tovuugil.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Shep (1986); two grandsons: Michael Wilburn and Christopher Shepherd; one brother Leo (Garnet) Assmann, and daughter-in-law Deborah K. Crescenti-Shepherd.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Thursday June 12, 2014 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services and a Celebration of Peggy's Life will follow Friday morning June 13th at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Reverend Shirley Pulgar-Hughes and Reverend David Lagos-Fonseca will officiate. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where together Peggy and Shep will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made as gifts in Peggy's memory to GAMA (Galactosemia Association of Midwest America), 19405 West Manteno Road, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 (www.galactosemiamidwest.com), First United Methodist Church of Wilmington, 401 East Kahler Road, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 or to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)