Margaret Jane Cockbill (nee Trotter)

Passed away peacefully at her residence, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the age of 101.

She is survived by her son Douglas J. Cockbill and daughter-in-law Lana Cockbill. Her two grandchildren Chris Cockbill and Dominique Rodriquez. Two great-grandchildren Xavier and Mariah and nephew Eric Petkoff.

Preceded in death by her husband William T. Cockbill (1979) and a son Thomas W. Cockbill (2024).

Born on May 9, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, Margaret was the daughter of John and Helen Trotter. She was raised in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Township High School with the Class of 1942. Answering the call to serve her country during World War II, Margaret enlisted in the United States Navy WAVES, serving as a Storekeeper First Class (SKG1) from 1944 - 1946 and was stationed at Port Hueneme, California.

While teaching Sunday school, Margaret met her husband William T. Cockbill, whom she married on July 23, 1949. In 1953 Margaret became a founding member of St. Edward's Church in Joliet. Committed to education and lifelong learning, Margaret furthered her studies and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis College in 1960, followed by her Master of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University in 1963. She was the first member of her family to graduate from college. Margaret taught at Lockport High School from 1963 to 1968 and went on to a distinguished career as a beloved English professor at Joliet Junior College, where she inspired generations of students from 1967 until her retirement in 2004.

Lying in state at St. Edward and Christ Episcopal Church, 206 N. Midland Avenue, Wednesday, February 4th from 10:00 A.M. until time of services at 11:00 A.M. Inurnment will be held at a later date t Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Tuesday, February 3rd from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M.