Margaret "Peg" Joan Illingworth

Margaret (Peg) Joan Illingworth was born in Chicago, IL, on May 17, 1941, to John and Mary Kingston. She passed away on July 27, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Lou. Peg is survived by a sister, Patricia Morrison, of Yucaipa.

They were a proud Irish Catholic family with many friends and relatives in Chicago. Seeking new opportunities, however, the family left Chicago for California when Peg was only three. They settled in Colton for a time but went on to live in San Bernardino, Redlands, and Highland. Peg graduated from St. Bernardine's High School in 1959 and recently celebrated her 55th year reunion with former classmates. After graduation, Peg worked at various jobs but found her career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept. where she worked as a Forensic Specialist ll. She loved her job and retired in 2001 after 22 years of service. She made many longtime friendships there that continued throughout the years. Peg was always open and friendly and took a real interest in all her friends and their families. The lives of the Kingston and Espinosa families were intertwined for over 60 years and so many wonderful memories were made together. Peg and her sister, Mary Lou, were quite a twosome and pretty much inseparable. In the early days, they loved to ride around in Peg's Cadillac and shop, travel, visit friends, and just enjoy their lives. It was fun being around them and there was always a lot of laughter and sometimes a little mischief. When health challenges arose, they were there for each other. Both had such determination and never let health challenges slow them down.

In 2007, Peg married the love of her life, Richard Illingworth. They enjoyed traveling and had a great time on their Alaskan cruise. They settled in Highland and Peg proceeded to make their house into a beautiful home with her decorating skills. She had a knack for choosing just the right colors and accessories to create a warm, loving environment. To the delight of her friends, she'd pull out all the stops at Christmastime and bring out her special displays, wreaths, and ornaments. Unfortunately, Richard preceded Peg in death just three years into their marriage.

As a double amputee, Peg found much support at the Amputee Connection of Redlands. Through their encouragement she participated in the 2013 Tour De Palm Springs where she rode a hand cycle and raised a lot of money to send kids with limb loss to Camp No Limits in the San Bernardino mountains. We were all so proud of her! It was a great accomplishment and a dream come true for her. Before her health declined, Peg was looking forward to becoming a certified Peer Counselor so that she could encourage other amputees like herself to enjoy a fulfilled life.

Peg's life was full of purpose and well-lived. She leaves many friends who admired her spunk, joyful spirit, and loving nature. Her wonderful legacy of determination and courage is a gift for all to see. Peg will be missed by all. Rest in peace, dear one.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Amputee Connection of Redlands, 22450 Flamingo St., Grand Terrace, CA 92313.

Peg will have a Memorial service on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the Valley View Chapel at Montecito Mortuary with inurnment to follow at Montecito Memorial Park, Colton, California.