Peggy DeRango Smith

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Harlem High School DePaul University

Peggy Smith Obituary

Peggy DeRango Smith, 60, teacher, caregiver, wicked smart, gracious friend left this world on July 21,2011. That vile thief, Cancer, stole her from us too soon. Peggy was born on March 1,1951 to Marguerite and Louis DeRango and then later adopted by Joyce upon Marguerite's death in 1964. She was the second of eleven children. Peg attended schools in Rockford, Il and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Education and found her calling teaching high school and then later made her mark teaching children. Peg found her passion as preschool teacher in 1984 and did so until she retired in 2006. Peg and Ralph Smith were married on August 2nd, 1975 and spent most of their married life in Downers Grove, IL. They are survived by their two children, Brendan (wife, Lauren) and Megan. After retirement in 2006, they followed Ralph's dream and moved to Red Lodge, Montana. Sadly Ralph died too soon and too young in 2008. Peg launched herself into the life of Red Lodge and soon became involved in her church, food bank and other community activities. Peg's personality soon earned her a place in the hearts of friends and the social fabric of Red Lodge, Montana. Her passing leaves a rent in that fabric that will not soon be healed. Peg is survived by a great number of brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends that she loved dearly and enjoyed every moment with. Peg, those of us who love you and also those who wished they knew you bid you God's speed and we will meet again but we will have to wait until the game is done. Services for Peggy Smith will be at St Mary's Church, Downers Grove, IL on Saturday the 30th of July, 2011. It would be Peg's wish that in lieu of flowers you make a contribution to the Baretooth Cupboards Food Bank. The family would also like extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Red Lodge, Billings Clinic for the incredible care that they gave to not only Peg but also the family and friends during her last days. Special love is sent to Karen Hoiness and Kandy Aleksich for their care and love of Peg. Truer friends have never been found.

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Published by South DuPage Reporter/Progress on Jul. 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Peggy Smith

8 Entries

August 23, 2011

Just thinking of how much fun she was makes me smile.........and that was 43 years ago!!! RIP former prankster!

Joanne (Goetz) Larimer

Maggie (Stiles ) Yates

August 6, 2011

Peggy and I went to Muldoon together. I haven't seen her in a long time. She was warm, friendly and talented. You will be miss Peggy because you made a difference. Bless you!!

Martha Doherty

July 31, 2011

God bless and keep you Peggy. What a loss for all. I attended Muldoon with Peggy and she was special to me. My prayers go out to all.

Becky Roell Nelson

July 31, 2011

Peggy and I came into this world on the same day - March 1, 1951. Our paths first crossed as freshmen at Muldoon and we quickly became best friends. We eventually lost touch as life carried us down different paths, but I will always remember her as an energetic, fun loving, mischievous, supportive, and truly caring friend. I'm so sorry that her journey ended so soon. My heart goes out to Brendan and Megan (who were just toddlers the last time I saw them) and all of her family and friends.

Marilyn Barry

July 29, 2011

I first met Peggy around 1980, or so. We belonged to a "Pie Club" that pie'd and coffee'd once a month at the old Bakers Square. We two, along with 2 of her neighbors, would talk, laugh, discuss books and the kids for hours. What a great, funny, friendly and nice person to know! She will be missed by many.

Mary Burruss

July 28, 2011

I can't begin to tell you how many funny , touching and wonderful memories I have of Peggy. We met in 5th grade and were buddies throughout grade school, high school and life. She had an incredible sense of humor, caring heart and such a sharp mind. She was a marvelous friend to soo many. She will be greatly missed.
Mary Graceffa Burruss

Tim Companey

July 27, 2011

I first met Peggy when we moved to Downers Grove 13 years ago. Our youngest son was fortunate enough to be in her pre-school class at St. Mary's. I was blessed to know her as a teacher, and later as a colleague. Her sense of humor, positive attitude and passion for education were evident from the first day that I met her. I am a better person for having met her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Carol Bailey

July 27, 2011

I am a former college classmate and roommate of Peggy's at DePaul University. Although our paths never crossed again after college I have always remembered with fondness the fun loving, effervescent Peg DeRango. I am saddened by her untimely passing and I hope that her family find comfort in the lively memories they surely must have of all the years they shared with Peggy. My deepest sympathies, Carol (Horvath) Bailey

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