Peggy Joanne Perkins (Sanborn), 67, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully entered eternal rest in the evening hours of September 10, 2026, in La Crosse, WI. She was comforted by the presence of her loving children, grandchildren, and lifelong best friends. Peggy “Jo” was born July 19, 1959, in Rockford, Illinois, to Audrey J. Sowle and Darryl W. Sanborn. Her life, filled with laughter and love, has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She filled the lives of those around her with laughter, love, and just the right amount of delightful chaos.

Peggy was a woman of immense passion and a wonderfully twisted sense of humor. Her charismatic spirit allowed her to make friends wherever she went. Whether she was crocheting, thrift shopping, baking from scratch, meticulously decorating for the holidays, deep diving true crime cases, or starting a new project, her presence undoubtedly brought color and endless joy into the world around her. Her generous heart, legendary hugs, and hilarious sarcasm made her impossible to forget.

A woman of many talents, Peggy had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special. She really could make the most out of any situation. Her capacity to endure such profound, infinite sorrow and find strength following the passing of her 20-year-old daughter in 2010 is a true testament of her fierce spirit.

Peggy graciously expressed her emotions in countless creative ways, including through her beautiful handmade crafts, favorite music, family traditions, home-cooked holiday meals (—when she remembered to turn the oven on, of course!), all while leaving a little piece of her legacy with every life she touched along the way.

Peggy turned her dreams into reality through her successful restored bottle-cap craft business, known as “Crafty Witches,” as well as becoming the founder of “The S.H.E.L.B.Y. Project,” a youth mentorship and awareness program created in honor of her beloved late daughter, Shelby.

Though she cherished her roles as a mother and loyal friend, Peggy found her true calling the day she was promoted to “Grandma”. Her three grandbabies were the absolute loves of her life. She truly loved being their grandma and cherished every single moment she was able to spend with them. Nothing brought her more happiness than to see their smiles.

Peggy is now reunited with her parents, Audrey J. Sowle and Darryl W. Sanborn; brothers, Gary A. Sanborn and Bradley A. Sanborn; daughter, Shelby J. Perkins; and beloved dog, Stella.

She leaves behind her two sons, Matthew A. Sanborn and Eric J. Perkins; daughter, Audrey J. Perkins; three precious grandchildren, Evelyn M. Perkins, Ellis J. Perkins, and Ezme M. Perkins; and niece, Eryn S. Hein (Sanborn), along with many other extended family members and close friends.

A private service will be held for immediate family, followed by a public celebration of Peggy’s life on September 26, 2026, at Rock Springs Park in her hometown of Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

Guests are encouraged to come as they are, dress casually, and bring photographs or memories of Peggy to share.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.