Margaret “Peggy” Ann Oakes (née Gill) passed away on January 5, 2026, with her loving family at her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Walter “David” Oakes; loving mother of Elizabeth (Tom) Dziedzic of Hinsdale, David (Beth Treon) Oakes of Reston, Virginia, and Christopher (Irene) Oakes of Cincinnati, OH; cherished grandmother of Anna Claire Dziedzic, Parker Oakes, and Grace Oakes; dear sister of Mary Patricia Murphy and Daniel (Michelle) Gill; and a fond aunt to many who adored her.

A resident of Hinsdale since March 2022, Peggy was a woman of remarkable graciousness, intelligence, and kindness. Born on March 15, 1939, she grew up in Manhattan at 780 Riverside Drive, overlooking the George Washington Bridge. After graduating from Mount St. Vincent College, she spent three adventurous months traveling through Europe, returning several times over the years.

Peggy met the love of her life, David, at the Jersey Shore in Spring Lake. He was an incredibly gregarious person who regularly exclaimed their mantra “The Magic Never Stops.” ! She is now reunited with him after he passed away 20 years ago. Before settling in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio to raise their family, Peggy taught English at an all-boys high school in the Bronx.

Her professional life was accomplished. Peggy was an award winning real estate agent, a founding member of an investment club, and an active leader within the American Association of University Women and her town’s Beautification Committee in addition to being a regular volunteer with her children’s various interests over the years. Her intellect and curiosity helped raise the bar in all of her endeavors.

Peggy possessed an extraordinary gift with words. She told stories with charm, wrote meaningful notes, and remembered every detail of conversations. Her ability to recount a story was especially a gift when she regularly recounted compliments, she heard to uplift others.

She was elegant, impeccably dressed, and had an eye for a good sale long before “TJ Maxxinista” became a phrase. Her home was a place of warmth, where she entertained with glorious table settings and made every guest feel special.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially her three “grandangels”—Anna Claire, Parker, and Grace—each lovingly spoiled with crafts, stories, and her favorite Oreos. Peggy was also the family historian, completing extensive genealogy research and ensuring treasured photos were printed, preserved, and shared.

During her 80th birthday celebration in New York City, friends and family toasted her with words that captured her essence: gracious, smart, warm, generous, charming, elegant, wise, and someone who always raised the bar. These qualities defined her life and the legacy she leaves behind. Those who knew her were enriched by her presence, and her memory will be treasured.

Visitation Monday, January 12th, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 South Grant Street, Hinsdale. Funeral, Tuesday, January 13th, family, and friends to meet for a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 306 West Fourth Street, Hinsdale. 

A graveside service will be held on Saturday January 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Byron Cemetery, 3256 Trebein Rd., Fairborn.