Roxelyn Pepper

Roxelyn “Roxy” Pepper, one of Chicagoland’s most influential yet humble philanthropists, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024. Roxy grew up in Wilmette, Illinois with her mother Berenice and father, J. Roscoe “Rocky” Miller - who served as president of Northwestern University from 1949 to 1969 and dean of the Feinberg School of Medicine from 1941 to 1949. 

Roxy met Richard Pepper through a mutual friend while he was pursuing his engineering degree at Northwestern’s Technological Institute, now the McCormick School of Engineering. Roxy was pursing her degree at the School of Speech, now the School of Communication. The couple married in 1952 prior to graduating and would go on to share 69 memorable years together. Partnership was the hallmark of Roxy and Richard’s marriage and the foundation of their work, their relationships and their service to others. Together, they left an indelible mark on their family, the construction industry and every person they knew. They set the example for how to value people first, to strive to do the right thing and to enjoy the journey. When Richard assumed leadership of Pepper Construction in 1957, Roxy played a role in guiding every decision. Her business acumen, wisdom and quick wit made her an influential partner. Richard once remarked that if he ever had a challenge selling a job all he had to do was get Roxy in the room and the deal would be sealed. Together, they grew Pepper Construction into one of the nation’s largest and most well-respected construction firms. While supporting a flourishing business, they raised six children – with two sons and two grandchildren carrying the family’s leadership into the fourth generation. Dedicated to the community, Roxy and Richard’s involvement and philanthropic impact reverberates throughout Chicagoland. In addition to making gifts to transformative projects like The Pepper Family Wildlife Center at the Lincoln Park Zoo, they made gifts furthering education such as endowing Northwestern University’s undergraduate laboratories in Civil and Environmental Engineering, supporting the university’s Executive Management program for Design and Construction, and supporting research in audiology, speech, language, and learning at the School of Communication. Avid baseball fans, Roxy and Richard served as the lead benefactors of Northwestern University’s baseball stadium, Rocky and Berenice Miller Park, which is named in honor of Roxy’s parents. Known for their generosity, Roxy and Richard’s support has impacted vast numbers of community and educational institutions including Melody Elementary School, Endeavor Health, the Art Institute of Chicago, Maryville’s Center for Children, the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, Madonna Mission and Openlands. Roxy’s generosity included volunteer service in many organizations. She was a founding member of Northwestern’s School of Speech national advisory board and Center Court Board which raises funds for women’s athletics. She was a founding member of the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois Foundation, where she served on the board of directors. Both Roxy and Richard were major supporters of the construction of The Pepper Family Hospice Home and Center in Barrington, IL. Roxy loved Barrington and was an integral part of the community. Among her contributions was the role she played in the creation of an accessible tree house in Citizens Park, which sits down the road from Pepper’s Barrington office. A former Girl Scout leader, she also served on the board of directors for the local Girl Scouts Council and as recently as last year, was an active supporter of Girl Scouting, providing transportation to ensure all girls have access to programming. An active and faithful member of St. Michael’s Episcopal church in Barrington, Roxy served as a member of the Altar Guild and the Vestry. 

Roxy is survived by four of her children: Stan (Chris) Pepper, Dick (Karen, significant other) Pepper, Lisa Pepper, and Scot (Anne) Pepper; her son-in-law Bob Bollman; as well as 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Roxy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, their son Dave and daughter-in-law Katy, and daughter Lynda (Pepper) Bollman. 

The family plans to hold private services. A Celebration of Life for both Roxy and Richard will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any tributes be directed to: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Barrington, IL, www.stmichaelsbarrington.org or at 847-381-2323: Breast Cancer - My Density Matters at www.mydensitymatters.org