Peggy Ann O’Neil of rural Sycamore, IL passed away unexpectedly at her home as a result of a tragic accident on Tuesday, December 16th 2025.

She was born November 1st, 1959 in DeKalb, IL to Gene L. O’Neil and Janet Werle (O’Neil). She grew up a “country girl” in rural Clare and attended grade school in Esmond and high school at Rochelle Township High School until Junior year when her Mom moved to Dixon. She Graduated early, near the top of her class from Dixon High School in 1977. Peggy had two children Joshua and Jennifer who were the light of her life. In 1997 she met her life partner Dan Turner and he has been her absolute special person for nearly 30 years.

At a young age Peggy, growing up in the country, developed a love of nature, the outdoors, animals, plants, beekeeping and all things related. She also loved baking, cooking, and competitive sports. For over 40 years she has been a part of local women’s and co-ed volleyball and softball teams. She always loved cheering on her Children and Grandchildren whether in sports, plays, dance, cheer, band, cattle shows and everything in between, and she was always the loudest Mom at the game! She took interest in everything her family was a part of.

Peggy worked for several years at Northern IL University, and DeKalb School District but her passion was for her career as a lawn and landscape care professional and interior decorator. She has been taking care of lawns in the DeKalb and Sycamore area for over 40 years and no one worked harder, did it better or with more pride than she did. She was a human encyclopedia when it came to plants, flowers, trees, and how to care for them, and if you would give her the better part of an hour (or day), she would share that knowledge with anyone that would listen! She was the kindest, most loving and most honest person you could ever meet. She cared about everyone she ever met and will be greatly missed. Her energy and spunk were legendary!

She is survived by her most special person Dan Turner of Lily Lake, Son, Josh Hickey (Kristen) of Steward, Daughter, Jenny Stanley (Scott Fischer) of Lakemoor, 6 grandchildren, Hank and Everett Hickey, London and Aubreyana Stanley, and Hailey and Karlee Fischer, a Sister, Debra Hollowell of Caldwell, AR, Brothers, Dean O’Neil (Theresa) of Dixon, Jim O’Neil of Chadwick and many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, and Uncles. She also leaves behind her many cherished animals. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grandparents, and several Aunts and Uncles.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28th from 1pm until time of celebration of life service at 5pm at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S. 4th St. DeKalb, IL 60115. In honor of Peggy, Family invites those attending to wear floral prints as a celebration of her love of flowers and the beauty she brought into the world.

A memorial has been established in Peggy’s name. Contributions may be made to the “Peggy O’Neil Memorial” and mailed in care of Anderson Funeral Home, PO Box 605, DeKalb, IL 60115.