Margaret "Peggy" Cordell, 83, of Rochester, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Peggy was born on May 8, 1933, the daughter of Claude and Margaret Haston. She married Joe Cordell in 1954 and he survives.

Peggy graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 1955 and later finished her graduate degree from what is now UIS, Springfield. She taught elementary school in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois and was a devoted friend to all of her students, helping them not only in the classroom, but in their pursuit of a responsible and productive life. She was a longtime member of Rochester United Methodist Church and an active member of DAR, ADK, and PEO. She also had a special passion for watching her favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.

She is survived by her husband Joe; three daughters, Margaret Noreuil (Scott) of Oregon, WS, Joyce Oxencis (Joe) of Chatham, and Susan Noreuil (Nick) of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Peggy was a proud and devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren; Joe (Carrie) Oxencis, Sarah (Mike) Lezon, David (Bethany) Oxencis, Josh (Yumi) Noreuil, Brittany Noreuil, Andy Noreuil, Ashley Noreuil, Amy (Dan) Noreuil, five great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Rochester United Methodist Church.  There will be an additional visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Rochester United Methodist Church with Reverend Kathy Sweet officiating. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rochester United Methodist Church, Rochester Historical Preservation Society or the Animal Protective League.