Mrs. Margaret "Peg" Falen

Margaret "Peg" Louise Falen of Gibbstown, NJ, has passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, uniting with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Peg was born on May 29, 1929, in the hills of Reading, PA, where her family resided until moving to Clarksboro, NJ in 1943. Peg was an ambitious student during her academic career; she graduated as Class Secretary of Swedesboro High School in 1947. She continued her education at Germantown Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1950, in which she would carry a passion for caring for others throughout her entire life.
Only a year later in 1951, Peg married the love of her life, William "Bill" Falen. Together, they spent 59 cherished years and raised two children: Judith Ellen Gatanis, and Scott William Falen. Throughout the years, they took many family camping vacations, visiting family and creating wonderful and lasting memories. In later years, Peg and Bill would travel to golf in almost every state in the U.S., recording their travels on a map with red pushpins, which hung in their home long enough to be admired by their great-grandchildren. Peg and Bill's many trips curated life-long friends with whom the couple would share years of prayer and devotion to God.
Peg worked at Cooper Hospital Maternity Ward (10 years), E.I. DuPont Hospital in Gibbstown (1 year), Dr. Golden's private office in Glassboro (2 years), and Underwood Memorial Hospital in Pediatrics (3 years). Deciding to continue her education, she later received a Bachelor's Degree of School Nursing and Health Education from Glassboro State College in 1974. Peg then worked as a school nurse for the Paulsboro School System (4 years), followed by her career at Gibbstown School System where she was the school nurse for 23 years. Peg retired in 1992 and is still fondly remembered by her many students.
An active member of her community, Peg was an original founder of the Clarksboro Jr. Women's Club. She participated in NJEA/NEA/6TEA/Gloucester County School Nurses Association and was a member of the Senior Citizens of Gibbstown. Peg also completed the survey for the Harvard Medical School Nurses Health since 1976.
Peg had a multitude of skills and hobbies; she was an exceptional sewer and crafter, and many of her days were spent joyfully creating in her craft room, which would become the home of tiny footsteps and laughter as her children (and grandchildren) admired her fabrics and buttons over the years. Peg was also a devoted reader and pianist. Aside from her artistic hobbies, Peg and Bill were ardent card players, and they met monthly with friends to play, cherishing those memories for years to come.
The most memorable trait about Peg, however, was her activeness in her church and Christian faith. She sang in the Gloucester County Choir for several years and was a member of Clonmell United Methodist Church for over 60 years. At Clonmell, Peg sang in the choir and served as the church's choir director for a combined 35 years. After serving as choir director, Peg continued to offer her talents to the church by serving as the pianist for Clonmell. She faithfully served in multiple church committees such as Pastor Parish, Worship, and Decorating Committee. Lastly, she was a member of the Tri-F class church group since it's organization. Any time one would run into Peg, she'd let them know she was praying for them. Her countless prayers and faithfulness to Jesus Christ will carry generations through trials and years to come.
Peg was a loving wife, mother, grandmother (Nana), and great-grandmother; she took pride in her family who brought her great joy throughout her life. She is survived by her children, Judith Ellen Gatanis (Tim) and Scott William Falen (Tammy), her siblings Al Heil, and Jane Sheppard, her grandchildren, Rebekah Pratta, Deanna Gatanis, Derek Falen, and Darcey Falen, and last but certainly not least, her great-grandchildren, Jade Pratta-Chisholm, Presley Gatanis, Layla Falen, and Olive and Gordon Irvine.
She will be greatly missed by all!
The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday September 24, 2024 in Clonmell U.M. Church, 516 W. Broad St., Gibbstown. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Monday evening from 6 to 8 PM in the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, 228 W. Broad St., Paulsboro and Tuesday morning after 9:30 AM in the church until service time. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to the General Fund of Clonmell United Methodist Church. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.