"We know someone special is in heaven lighting up the hearts of the angels. She will be missed here on earth, but know that we have a special angel watching over all of you. The funeral Mass was very special and we know she is proud of all you as you go on"
In loving memory of
Margaret Bannon
May 7, 2006
Margaret Bannon
Margaret Bannon, 55, of Port Washington, died Monday after a courageous battle with breast cancer. While Bannon is most well known as the first female police officer in southeastern Wisconsin, her large family and many friends knew "Peg" as a fun loving, kind extraverted person.
Bannon enjoyed traveling, gardening, cross stitching, farmers markets and good food and wine. Peg was often in the company of her many close friends all of whom she referred to as "girlfriend" to the amusement of her husband, Al Esselmann.
"She would light up a room," said Barbara Eder, Peg's sister. "Peg was so much fun. She was up for anything."
Bannon made friends and started conversations just about wherever she went whether it was in Port, walking on the beach near her condo in Florida, while traveling in Greece or aboard a cross town bus touring New York.
Bannon's sense of humor added to her approachability.
"Peggy always used to tell people I was the older sister," said sister Monica Murdo, who is actually 10 years younger then Peg, who was the eldest of eight children.
You could find Bannon at The Pasta Shoppe many weekends dining with a large, lively group of locals and socializing with Maria Kiesow, longtime friend and owner of the Port restaurant with husband Jim.
"People wanted to be with her, wanted to be near her," Kiesow said. "You never had to work at a friendship with her. She was the easiest person to get along with."
As a Port police officer for 27 years, Bannon was known for effective conflict management and interviewing. She specialized in sexual assault cases.
Bannon battled the disease several years while maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude. When she lost her hair, Bannon grew an impressive collection of hats and was known to indulge in bracelets and pedicures. She spoke candidly about the progression of the disease and took comfort from the support she received.
"Whenever she was sick, she would try to be strong for us instead of worrying about herself," Kiesow said. "She would always say, I'm sorry I have to put you through this when she was the one suffering."
Loving wife of Al Esselmann. Beloved mother of Neeley and Molly (fiancé Jeremy Anderson) Hornslein and step-mother of Robin (Andy) Meyer, and Greg and Brad Esselmann. Grandmother of Emma and Ellie Meyer and Matthew Esselmann. Survived by sisters Barbara (Andrew) Eder and Monica Murdo, and brothers Paul, Mark (Lynne), Barney (Liz), Tom (Sheri), and Matthew (Theresa). Further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by parents Mark and Patricia Bannon.
Memorial Mass Thursday May 11 at 7 p.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Port Washington. Visitation at the Church from 4 to 7 p.m. Inurnment at St. Mary's Mausoleum, Port Washington.
Memorials appreciated, in lieu of flowers, to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
Service:
7:00 PM at 1800 N. Wisconsin St. on May 11, 2006 (map/driving directions)
Tributes
"Molly, Neely and Family - My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your mother is no longer suffering and she is smiling down on you all. Love you both! -Lori"
"Al and family - What a beautiful difference one single life made. We feel truly blessed to have known Peg. She taught us the real meaning of "girlfriend" and will now live forever within our hearts. Our love and thoughts are with you."
"Molly and Neeley - Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts. -Chris and Beth"
"Molly and Neeley - Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts. -Chris and Beth"
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~Author Unknown Molly and Neeley (and family), Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time. Love you both! Stephanie and Adam "
"Molly, Neely & Family, Peg was a truely amazing person and I am honored I was able to meet her. My thoughts are with you. Love, Pat "
"Our deep condelences to the family , although we have parted in different parts of the country, you have not been forgotten. Often thought about. We have shared time in the Lawenforcement serves. Peace be with all. Al & Geri"
"Molly and Neeley and Family: We are thinking of you during this difficult time, and are sending every bit of love to you and your family! You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Love, Kyle and Shannon Sproveri "
"Molly and Neeley and Family: We are thinking of you during this difficult time, and are sending every bit of love to you and your family! You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Love, Kyle and Shannon Sproveri "
"Neely, Molly and the rest of the family: I send much love to you all, and hope that your happy memories with Peg carry you through this difficult time. LU"
"My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your Mom is a remarkable woman! "
"I am so sorry to have received this e-mail. Molly and Neeley, my heart broke when I read this. I had to send a note to let you know that I am thinking of you both. I know that this has been a long and on-going situation and I am so sad that it ended th"
"Please know that everyone is thinking of all of you. Many thoughts and prayers, Maggie Fawcett"
"I love you girlfriend and will forever laugh from the heart with you. Especially at the movies! To her very special family, may each memory be a shining prayer and fill you with love."
"Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Terry, Roxanne, Mackin, and Riley Bannon Warsaw, IN"
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"We send our love to all of Pegs family. Peg was like family to me and a very important person in my life. Peg had a way of always making people feel important and welcome. Every year without fail on my birthday Peg showed up with a sentry cake and a heart"