Peggy J. Cooley, nee Hand, 66, of Collinsville, Ill., born Oct. 11, 1945, in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at Relais Bonne Eau, Edwardsville, Ill.



Peggy passed away after a long courageous 26 month battle with cancer. She was a waitress at Zeppetelli's Restaurant in Collinsville. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and looked forward to family functions and holiday gatherings. She also loved cooking, gardening, and was an avid bingo player.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry D. and Betty J., nee Laktzian, Hand.



Surviving are her husband, William "Bill" Cooley of Collinsville, Ill.; a daughter, Shawn (Russ) Billings of Godfrey, Ill.; two sons, Paul (Sharon Riley) Brendel of Hollywood Heights, Ill., and Joseph (Candace) Brendel of Lancaster, Pa.; brothers and sisters, Henry (Edna) Hand, Lucille (Butch) Carpenter, Jean Marie (Mike) Thornton, Judy (Ervin) Robinson, Debbie (Wade) McArthur, Diana (Joe) Akel, and Rick (Linda) Hand; four grandchildren, Jessica (Max), Damien, Gabrielle and Buddy; a great-grandson, Warren; and many nieces, nephews, and close family friends.



Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Relais Bonne Eau. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com



Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.



Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at the funeral home with Father John Beveridge officiating.