Peggy Ann Lecour

Peggy Lecour, 89, passed peacefully on February 15, 2022 at The Citadel of Bourbonnais. She will be remembered as a woman who loved life, a talented artist and loyal friend. Born Margaret Ann Randles on April 13, 1932, in Kankakee, she is preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, L. Paul Lecour, Jr., and her parents, Katherine Doolin Randles and Marshall A. Randles, and brother, Richard M. Randles. Mrs. Lecour attended St. Patricks High School and graduated from Kankakee High School. She lived on the East Coast for many years, working in the men’s fashion industry in New York City before marrying Lecour and relocating to Peoria. She is survived by her son W. David Hammond of Vermont and daughter Peggy Ann Swanlund of California; three grandchildren, Nierika Hammond Nims and Julian Hammond, both of Massachusetts, and John Swanlund of California. Great-granddaughter, Maya Nims of Massachusetts, two brothers, James M. Randles of Virginia, Lawrence R. Randles of New York; a sister, Mary Lu Laffey of Michigan, and many nieces and nephews survive. In Peoria, Mrs. Lecour was active as a performer and supporter of Peoria Players Theatre and Corn Stock Theatre. She celebrated her 60th birthday by signing up for tap dance lessons and enrolling in art extension classes at Bradley University. It was there that she rekindled her desire to paint and realized her watchwords would become “Color is joy.” Drawing inspiration from the Impressionists, she found subjects in her garden, her home and from places she and her husband discovered while traveling across the country and around the world. Active with the Community Arts Council of Kankakee County, Mrs. Lecour served on its board of directors. In 2017 she was honored with the organization’s Outstanding Member Award. She was elected both Secretary and Vice President of the Kankakee Art League. Her work appeared at the Kankakee County Historical Society Museum, Strawberry Festivals, Wright in Kankakee events at the Bradley House and annual Arts & Crafts Strolls. One-woman shows spotlighted her work at Iroquois County Old Courthouse Museum, Watseka, the Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery, Kankakee and at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Cremation rites were accorded by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. Please sign her guestbook at clancygernon.com. Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army at give.salvationarmyusa.org

Peggy Ann Lecour

April 13, 1932 - February 15, 2022