Margaret Ann Kunkel, lovingly known as Peggy, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, at the age of 84. A resident of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Peggy was born on June 18, 1941, in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Peggy was a graduate of Bloom High School and went on to study at the Conservatory of Music in Chicago, where she nurtured her deep passion for music. She especially loved playing the organ and music remained one of the great joys of her life. Peggy also had a deep appreciation for the natural world—she loved bird watching and found great joy in feeding the peacocks that visited her backyard. Throughout her years, she remained devoted to the arts, nature and creative expression.

An avid golfer, Peggy was an active member of the 18-hole group at the Golf Club of Amelia Island. She will be remembered for her warm heart, quiet strength and vibrant spirit both on and off the course.
Peggy is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Kunkel, with whom she shared 61 wonderful years of marriage; her loving daughters, Paulette Smith (Dr. Gregory Smith) and Anne Blalock; and four beloved grandchildren: Peyton Smith VanAlstyne, Parker Smith, Maggie Ann McClure and Hunter Blalock. Her love for her family was unwavering and her legacy lives on in each of them.

The family will honor Peggy’s life with a private graveside service at a later date, where she will be interred at Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to spend time in nature, spend time with family or listen to a favorite song in her memory.