Margaret L. Manola

Margaret L. "Peggy" Manola, 66, of Springfield, passed away at 7:10 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at her home. Peggy was born on July 18, 1942 in Joliet, the daughter of Michael and Emily Paul Gleason. Peggy was a graduate of St. Raymond's Grade School and St. Francis Academy of Joliet. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Education from the University of Illinois at Springfield and began her career as an elementary school teacher specializing in corrective reading. She was employed as the Vice-President of Marketing & Agency Development at Franklin Life Insurance, now American General, upon her retirement. Peggy was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Peggy was a loving, gentle person who always put others before herself. After her retirement, she returned to teaching struggling readers at Sylvan Learning and was also a Good Samaritan at St. John's Hospital. Reading and spending time with her children and grandson were her favorite activities. Preceding Peggy in death are her parents and sister, Sheila Gleason. She is survived by her children, Gina Manola of Urbana and Michael Manola of Springfield; her grandson, Christopher Townes Durbin of Urbana; two brothers Robert (wife, Joyce) Gleason of Joliet and Jack (wife, Diane) Gleason of Post Falls, ID; in addition to several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 10:00 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral ceremonies will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home with Pastor Wayne Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62703.