Margaret "Peg" Shipley

Margaret "Peg" Shipley “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” On June 2, 2023, Margaret “Peg” Shipley closed her eyes one final time on this earth and opened them again in the presence of her precious Savior. Surrounded by her cherished family, Peg slipped peacefully into Heaven, a beloved and faithful servant, to continue in glory the humble service to which she dedicated her whole life. Peg was a woman of stoic countenance and humble helping hands. Born June 6, 1938, to Marie (Mulcahey) and Bernie Whalen, Peg began a life of loving service to others. The second oldest child and the eldest daughter of eleven children. She softly led by gentle example, first for her siblings, then as a nurse in service to both her patients, community and country for over 50 years. She was a selfless volunteer that would span decades and last well into her retirement, as a Red Cross Disaster Relief Nurse. And as every life has a beginning so too does every love story. Peg met Robert while he was finishing his Air Force service and she was beginning hers as an Air Force Captain. The attraction would be so strong, Robert would follow her to her first duty station in California, where they would marry in 1965. Thus began a romance that would see them through five children and fifty-seven years together. Corinthians pronounces a life without love and charity is but sounding brass, or the tinkling of a cymbal. Peg took these words into her soul and lived out a life of love and charity that planted seeds not only in her children but in the community she held so dear. Those seeds will continue to grow and bloom and nourish souls for generations to come, much like the community butterfly garden she planted in White Oak Park. Her life was a testament to the beauty of caring for those around her. Peg's hands were never idle. Even her talents and hobbies spoke to a life of purpose. She loved to cook, quilt, sew, and craft. Her family, friends, and church community always benefited from her talents and giving spirit. Peg is survived by her husband Robert Shipley, her children Jennifer (Christopher) Sawyer, Christine (Randy) Johnson, Patrick (Shelby) Shipley and William (Anita) Shipley. Chosen son, Wil (Rodney) Robinson. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren; Kyle, Sean, Sophia, Haley, Sam, Charlie, Marie and Jack, as well as her seven remaining siblings and their families: Mike Whalen, Anne Neal, Jane Lowry, Mary Jo Macomber, Tom Whalen, Datie Wynn, and Theresa Stout. Peg was preceded in death by her parents: Marie and Bernie Whalen, her infant son, Charles Bernard Shipley and her siblings, Bill Whalen, Catherine Elsbree and Pat Whalen. We are so incredibly grateful for the shining light of Peg’s beautiful life and humble legacy of service. And much like the flame of a candle burns brightest when used to light the flame of another, we wish to hold our mother’s light up and pass it on for all the world to see. If you wish to honor Peg, please choose an act of service for someone in need or volunteer with an organization of your choice. We know this is the legacy for which our mom would wish to be remembered. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a joint Memorial Mass for Peg and her husband Bob Shipley on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 1:00PM at St. Mary’s Church in Bloomington, Illinois. The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person. There will also be a Celebration of Life Luncheon at St. Mary’s immediately following the mass.