Mary Butterfield Peddle

Mary Butterfield Peddle, age 76, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Rhinelander, WI surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 30, 1949 in Lake Forest, Illinois, Mary was born and lived a life centered on family, kindness, and quiet but determined strength. She was married to the love of her life her beloved husband Jim and they shared 55 beautiful years of marriage together. A partnership they built on love, commitment, and unwavering support. Mary and Jim raised their 2 daughters in Lake Forest until moving to Three Lakes, WI in 1992 where they both enjoyed the Northwoods life. Mary loved to cross stitch, quilting, making homemade cards but she was the happiest when she was surrounded by water, with the sun on her face and wind in her hair as Mary’s truly happy place was cruising the lakes in their pontoon boat. Above all, Mary was an extraordinary mother and nana. She devoted the first 15 years of motherhood as a stay-at-home mom, creating a warm, loving home where her girls could grow and thrive. However, during this time while her daughters were young, in order to stay busy, in 1974 she started her own catering business. Mary would work at night and on the weekends, being invited time after time into many homes along the Northshore of Chicago. Those families were lucky enough to not only have Mary in their homes to create amazing food and exceptional service, but she had unwavering warmth and passion to everything and everyone that she encountered. Her care, guidance, and steady presence shaped the lives of all who were lucky enough to know her. In 1986, Mary returned to her alma mater, Lake Forest High School (Class of 1967), where she worked for 20+ years in the attendance, guidance and main offices at the High School. She took great pride in being part of the school community, forming lasting friendships and touching countless lives with her kindness and dedication. Mary will be remembered as an amazing wife, mother and nana, a loving sister, aunt, friend, cousin and someone who made everyone feel welcome and valued. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. The family would also like to thank, Rennes Health & Rehab Center in Rhinelander, WI. With a special shout out to Jess & Lizzy. The love & compassion that each of them showed Mary during her year of living their full-time, is something we will never forget and are forever grateful. Mary is survived by her husband, Jim Peddle, her children, Heather (Peddle) Mulhearn, Hillary (Peddle) Zank (Steve) her grandchildren, Cameron (Rachel) Mulhearn, James Mulhearn, Madison Zank; her brother Gary (Virginia) Butterfield and many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Joyce Butterfield, her in-laws; Ronald & Edith Peddle, Sister-in-laws, Nancy (Peddle) McCaughey, Barbara Peddle. A graveside service will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Spruce and Sheridan Roads, Lake Forest, followed by a Celebration of Life held at Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Rennes Health & Rehab Center, Rhinelander, WI at www.rennesgroup.com or The ALS Research Association at www.als.org in honor of Mary Peddle. Never forget that her love will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Mary Butterfield Peddle

July 30, 1949 - March 30, 2026