Mary Elizabeth Peevler Neff, 81, of Bradenton, Florida, died April 3, 2026.
She was born Sept. 30, 1944, in Keokuk, Iowa. She treasured memories of growing up in the Mississippi River town with her mother, Sue Wallace Peevler, and her siblings.
She married John William Neff in August 1963. Together, over the years in Stockton, Kirkland and Waukegan, Illinois, they raised four children, embraced their children’s spouses and cherished their grandchildren.
Mrs. Neff valued her relationships with an extended family of friends and co-conspirators. To her kids’ friends, she was “Dear” and “Mom Neff.” She also welcomed into her life the players on the school football teams coached by her husband.
She worked for the Waukegan School District, as well as served as a Democratic precinct committeewoman in Waukegan and on the city’s Bicentennial Commission in 1976.
She was a den mother, baseball coach, cheerleading coach and Democratic activist. She was a protector of Waukegan’s dunes system, a supporter of public libraries and an advocate for historical preservation and community unity.
She was passionate about gardening, cooking and photography and appreciated art, music, the printed word, a good prank, a joke and a great movie line.
Strong and resilient, she persevered through illness until the end, which she approached bravely, with a determination to share her remembrances and say her goodbyes.
Celebrations of her life are planned in Keokuk, Waukegan and Madeira Beach this summer and fall.
She is survived by her husband, John; children Lisa and wife Constance Wolgast, Mark and wife Giovanna Guerrero, Melissa and husband Frederick Mutter, David and wife Erin Rogers; grandchildren John Frederick and Jacqueline Mutter, Philippa, Gavin and Georgiana Neff; siblings Suzanne Peevler Arnold, Tom Peevler, Tim and wife Bonnie Van Rheenen Peevler; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
