Submitted by: Dan Rich

Juanita C. Heirman

Aug. 13, 1935 - Oct. 26, 2008

South Bend Tribune 10/28/2008
MISHAWAKA - Juanita C. "Peggy" Heirman, 73, passed away at 12:25 p.m. on October 26, 2008, at her home after a battle with cancer. Peggy was born on August 13, 1935, in Eldorado, IL, to Elmer Bryan and Gertrude Marie (Loney) Whitfield. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James Whitfield and Elmer (Tollie) Whitfield; and a sister, Neva Jean Yellich; and in-laws, Ernest and Florence Heirman. On March 27, 1954, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, Peggy Whitfield married Richard "Spike" L. Heirman, who preceded her in death on June 29, 1993. Surviving are their children, Robbye Lou (Tad) Warner of Osceola, EnRico Lee (Amy) Heirman of Crystal Lake, IL, Stephanie Ann (Mort) Sarabakhsh of Fargo, ND, Christina Marie (Brian) Gangl of Melrose, MN, Rex Arthur Heirman of Michigan City, IN, Knute Eric (Kim) of Seminole, FL, and Karen Lynn (Michael) Iannotti of Seminole, FL; sister, Nada "Tootsie" (Clarence) Senger of California; and brothers, Leonard (Julianna) Whitfield of Mishawaka and Bill (Jean) Whitfield of Port Clinton, OH. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Peggy lived in Eldorado, IL, from 1935 to 1942. She then moved with her family to Mishawaka and had lived here ever since. She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1953 and worked as a cook for Mishawaka School City for 30 years. Peggy was a member of St. Joseph Church in Mishawaka, the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, and was a past member and secretary of ASFSCME Local 3060. Peggy thought her greatest legacy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lit up a room with her smile and laughter. An avid collector of angels, spoons and lighthouses, she made the best pancakes anyone could ever imagine. Most importantly, she lived her life as a Good Samaritan.