Margaret A. Swanson

Margaret A. “Peg” Swanson, 101

We celebrate the life of Margaret “Peg” Swanson, 101, who passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2022.

She was born April 30, 1921 in Leetonia, Ohio, the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Walzer) Helman. Peg was married to the late David J. Swanson and was lovingly devoted to him until his death on March 7, 2006.

Peg’s main focus was her family who enjoyed showing up at her house every Sunday for dinner. She was a great cook and has left behind many signature recipes.

Peg was a member of SSCD Roman Catholic Church in Punxsutawney. She loved bowling, bingo, golfing, and was an avid bridge player. Peg loved sitting by the campfire and inspired the family’s apple butter weekends that lasted for twenty years. She and her husband were involved the Punxsutawney Saddle Club and were Quarter Horse breeders and showmen. At one time, she was the head of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Elks Club in Punxsutawney. In the 1950s, Peg made the best pizza in town when she and Dave owned the Town Pump bar in Punxsutawney. Peg frequented the Mahoning Hills Senior Center. Peg never missed a Steelers game and would be dressed in Steelers garb from head to toe. She always had her Terrible Towel and lucky troll doll in hand to cheer them on.

Peg was a loving mother and is survived by three daughters, Patricia Neal (Howard Beezer) of Punxsutawney, Sandra Walko (David) of Punxsutawney, and Connie Perry (Walter) of East Palatka, Florida. Nine grandchildren: Debra (Chris) Matherne, Andrew (Rachada) Neal, Mark Neal, Janine (John) Despines, Amy Walko, Michele (John) Cooper, Kristine (Paul) Walko Beenan, Christine (Kevin) Conway, Kirk Cesario, and Shelli Ames. Nineteen great-grandchildren: Max, Kyle, and Zoe Matherne, Ben Neal, Hannah, Grace, and Sam Neal, Manoli and Basil Despines, Briel and Crittenden Hughes, Elijah Goodbread, Sullivan, Patrick, and Katie Conway, Kenadi, Tyler, and Nicholas Cesario, and Finn Martin.

Peg was the eldest of eight children and leaves behind one sister, Betty Davis of Simi Valley, CA, several nieces and nephews, and a sister-in-law, Dolores Helman.

Peg was the matriarch of her family who she loved unconditionally and the glue that bonded them together. Peg will be forever missed and treasured by all who knew her.

A private visitation and mass will be held for her family.

Interment will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Punxsutawney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Mahoning Hills Senior Center, 19298 Rt. 119, Punxsutawney, PA 15767, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry in care of SSCD, 616 W. Mahoning Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767, or Crosstown Food Pantry, 201 Woodland Ave. Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.