Beverly Pegelow (nee Hamilton) of Elmwood Park, IL passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026. She is survived by children F. Bryce Pegelow and Caroline (Alexander) Taich; grandchildren Anne, Daniel and Miriam Taich; partner Tom Snaza; nieces and nephews, and too many animal friends to name. She was preceded in death by her parents Caroline Hamilton (nee Ramseur) and Murray Elbert Hamilton; her brother Terry Hamilton; beloved pets Jo-Jo, Apollo, Nikki, Blue-Blue and Fritzee; her former spouse Fred Pegelow.

While Beverly grew up in the southwest Chicago neighborhood of Little Village, she fondly spent her summers with relatives "down home" in Jasper, Alabama. After graduating high school she confidently walked through the doors of a downtown skyscraper looking for work. There she built a successful career in media serving high profile clients across 30 years at the global Draftfcb/FCB advertising agency. Her talents in media were also used as a private art dealer for several years.

In later years her love of animals led her to fostering shelter animals, which inspired her to build a small business caring for pets. Keeping healthy led her to join TOPS Club where she helped grow the Elmwood Park chapter through advertising and coaching new members. Her love of travel and nature culminated in fulfilling a lifelong goal to visit Africa. Throughout a lifetime of work, family, activism, and adventure, her independent spirit was always shining bright.

Funeral service Saturday, June 6, 11:30 AM at Rago Brothers Funeral Home, 7751 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago IL 60634. Interment at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Jasper, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Romanian League in Defense of Animals https://rescue-team.rolda.org/ (https://rescue-team.rolda.org/). Mom wrote, "So many beloved animals are in need, but Ukraine's situation stands out with the sacrifices the population has endured. If you can help please do so."