Peggy J. Fournier, 82, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, formerly of Ojai, California, passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Oakview Heights Continuous Care and Rehab Center.

She was born on June 22, 1939, the daughter of Roy and Mollie (Brown) Carlton in Ryan, OK; moving to Ojai, CA when she was 6 months old. She contracted Polio as a child, losing her hearing for a time but quickly learned sign language, a tool she used her entire life.

While her primary career was as a homemaker, Peggy was also an avid painter who especially liked charcoal and acrylics. She worked part-time in all sorts of jobs, everything from nurse to dog breeder to manicurist, but her favorite job was providing art therapy to autistic children. Peggy had a big heart and wanted to help others. She donated a lot of her time volunteering for the Salvation Army at Christmas.

Peggy married Robert P. Fournier on June 22, 1968, and he preceded her in death on February 6, 2021. Together they loved dancing, bowling, playing cards, and swimming with their kids at the beach. Moving to Mt. Carmel after retirement, they were able to build their dream home and enjoy small town living. They have three children; Sherrice (John) Weeces of Ojai, CA, Molly Krill (Nick) Schlesinger of Oxnard, CA, Rob (Jennifer) Fournier of Mt. Carmel; two grandchildren (Zoe and Nikolai); seven step-grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother, Larry (Sheila) Carlton.

She will be remembered for her love of life, her family, and animals, for her funny and sly sense of humor, and for her ability to talk to anyone and make friends easily. Peggy was a loving Mom and Grandma, and her whole family will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Terry Carlton and sister Patsy Sutton.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, please support your local animal shelter.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fournier family.