Margaret K. "Peg" Heinz

Margaret K. “Peg” Heinz, 83, of Metamora, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Peg was born on October 2, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, to Steven and Dorothy (DuBois) Morarity. Her early years were spent growing up on a farm in Missouri, where life was simple and hard work was part of everyday life. She did farm chores, lived in a home without running water, and attended a one-room schoolhouse. Those early experiences shaped the strong, capable woman she would become and gave her an appreciation for family, home, and the simple pleasures in life.

After high school, Peg worked at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. Later, she worked for Bergner’s and as a dental assistant for Dr. Heitzmann in Metamora. Her greatest role, however, began when her daughter, Calista, was born. Peg became a homemaker and devoted herself to her family, creating a home where her children knew they were loved and cared for.

Peg married Carl J. Heinz on February 15, 1974, in Metamora. Together, they shared more than five decades of marriage, raising their family, traveling, making memories, and enjoying music. Peg enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, both in her younger years and later with her husband and kids. Some of Peg's most memorable travels came from following her son Vince as he played baseball across Illinois and throughout the Midwest, and later as he continued his baseball career at Illinois Central College and the University of Illinois. Peg and Carl were always there to cheer him on, making countless trips to ballfields and sharing in the excitement and pride of watching their son play.

Music was a special part of Peg's life, and she especially loved country music and hearing it performed live. Carl played guitar and sang in a band, and Peg was one of his biggest fans. She loved going to hear him play and sing and rarely missed an opportunity to watch him perform. Over the years, his music became part of their life together, and she took great pride and joy in seeing Carl on stage.

Peg and Calista also shared a special love of country music and attended many concerts together. In the late 90s, they traveled to FanFair in Nashville, a trip that became one of their most memorable adventures. Peg enjoyed herself so much that she even ended up on the front page of the FanFair marketing booklet the following year—a story that Carl would tease her about. In her later years, Peg and Carl continued traveling to Nashville to listen to live country music, something that brought her tremendous joy.

Peg loved Christmas time and all the traditions that came with the season. She spent numerous hours writing individual letters to friends and family to place in their Christmas cards every year. She especially enjoyed driving around town to see Christmas lights. In later years, the family would load up in the minivan and head out to see the East Peoria Festival of Lights, a tradition they enjoyed for many years.

Being a grandmother was another role Peg treasured. She babysat her two oldest grandchildren during the week when they were young, caring for each of them until they were about two or three years old. All of her grandchildren—Declan Kelly, Aislin Kelly, Lucas Heinz, and Olivia Heinz—held a special place in her heart, and she was proud to watch them grow, hear of their adventures, and see pictures of their travels.

Peg was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary and spent numerous hours volunteering for the church and school planning dinners and working in the library.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Carl of Metamora; daughter, Calista Kelly of East Peoria; son, Vince (Adnybel) Heinz of Lake Barrington; grandchildren, Declan Kelly, Aislin Kelly, Lucas Heinz, and Olivia Heinz; and sister, Linda Schupp of Metamora.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Steven and Dorothy Morarity, and her brother-in-law, Jim Schupp.

Peg's life was made up of many chapters, but at the heart of all of them was her love for her family. She had her own special way of making sure you knew just how much you were loved. No one ever left Peg's house without a hug, an “I love you,” and, of course, her insistence that someone take a picture whenever the family was together. Those little traditions were simply Peg—and they are the things her family will miss and cherish most, even if we did occasionally roll our eyes at all those picture requests.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Father David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until Mass time on Friday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

St. Mary's School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548