Rochester — Margaret Eileen "Peggy" Daily, 73, of Rochester, Illinois, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by her family. Peggy was born Oct. 15, 1952, in Springfield, the daughter of Justin J. and Vivian E. Canaday Shadis. She married Larry E. Daily on Sept. 7, 1974, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, George Shadis; and her beloved sister-in-law, Naomi Shadis.

Peggy was of the Catholic faith. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1970 and earned her associate degree in business administration from Springfield College in Illinois. Peggy had a beautiful mind, something she would like to be remembered for, and she was often the first call for many seeking advice, whether it was about how to fix a computer or how to navigate life's challenges.

Peggy loved all things that involved appreciating the beauty of nature. She was an avid bird-watcher who loved putting out bird feeders and watching from her living room window. She often giggled at the squirrels, who, although not her intended visitors, seemed to enjoy the feeders just as much as the birds. When there was a meteor shower, she would find a quiet, peaceful place and enjoy the stars and meteors with her family, even when that meant staying up until four in the morning.

Peggy loved any and all adventures. Once, she packed her grandchildren in the car and told them to pick left or right. After driving aimlessly, they found themselves at the Mark Twain Caves, where they explored together. Peggy was the kind of person who made a random Sunday adventure better than any five-star resort. When her kids were young, she was always focused on creating new memories, driving them around the United States with her husband, Larry, while reading and singing to them along the way. Larry was her lifelong adventure partner, and together, they built a life full of love, laughter, travel, and countless memories. They loved each other through all chapters of life, and she was always her husband's number one supporter and best friend.

One of Peggy's greatest passions was cooking, which she inherited from her mom and passed down to many of her family members. She spent her time in the kitchen humming, with one of her favorite television shows or movies playing in the background. Welcoming anyone who needed extra love into her kitchen, she treated each person like her own, growing her family a little with each homemade meal. In fact, a meal at Peggy's house meant more than food; you were guaranteed to leave with a smile and advice that only years of wisdom and experience can create.

Each holiday felt extra special with the love of Peggy laced into every moment and tradition. The day before each holiday, she could be found in the kitchen with her granddaughter, passing down her mom's traditions with each and every pie and memory made. Peggy especially loved Christmas and birthdays, where the entire family would gather together, ending the night with a competitive game of Uno and a room filled with laughter.

Peggy loved all arts and crafts, spending many hours painting and scrapbooking. Creativity was something she brought into all aspects of her life, from hand-picking a stocking for every family member with their name beautifully painted on the bottom to cloud gazing and finding all different kinds of shapes and objects. Because of her creativity, she especially loved attending the Spoon River Drive and the Covered Bridge Festival, where she would spend the entire day with her family.

Many will remember Peggy with her video camera, supporting Pawnee volleyball, football, and band events, as well as Springfield Shock Volleyball Club. She never missed the chance to support her children and grandchildren through all aspects of their lives, and her unwavering love, encouragement, and support were a constant through every chapter.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Larry E. Daily, of Rochester; two sons, Brian E. (wife, Amanda) Daily and Trevor P. (wife, Megan) Daily, both of Springfield; one daughter, Tara M. (husband, Chris) Watts, of Pawnee; three grandchildren, Jordan, Kaiden and Carson; two brothers, John P. Shadis of Waynesboro, Virginia, and Bob W. (wife, Lorri) Shadis of Oxford, Massachusetts; one sister, Sherri L. (husband, Randy) Caudle, of Reno, Nevada; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many honorary grandchildren.

Peggy's family will meet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at the funeral home, with Rev. Lindsey Young officiating. Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Guard Association Relief Foundation, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62702, the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702, or the Make-A-Wish Illinois Foundation, 200 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606-5072.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Peggy Daily. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.