Margaret Agnes "Peggy" Morgenstern

Morgenstern, Margaret Agnes "Peggy"

98, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. Peggy was born on April 27, 1927, to Michael and Elsie Meenihan, and raised in Hickory Township (now Hermitage) in Western Pennsylvania. She graduated from Hickory High School in 1945 and joined the Cadet Nurse Corps while training at C.H. Buhl Hospital in Sharon, PA. Soon after, the love of her life, Albert Morgenstern, returned from military service, a proud Army soldier who had been wounded several times during the Battle of the Bulge. Peggy and Al married and began their family, raising three rambunctious boys, Alan, Dennis, and Rodney. Peggy worked for many years in local hospitals and later trained Licensed Practical Nurses. She went on to serve as a State Public Health Nurse, a role that brought her great pride and fulfillment. Her responsibilities were wide-ranging and included conducting clinics to test and compassionately discuss treatments for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV), administering DPT and MMR vaccinations, and providing medical care and equipment to local Amish communities. She even administered the polio vaccine, sometimes by candlelight, at an Amish schoolhouse. After retiring as a Public Health Nurse, and following the 2005 passing of her beloved husband Al, Peggy moved to Madeira Beach, FL, to be near her son, Dennis. She truly embraced this new chapter of her life, spending many happy hours on her balcony overlooking the Gulf, watching the beachgoers, birds, dolphins, and the magnificent sunsets. It was her happy place. Peggy loved the relaxed Florida lifestyle, shorts, T-shirts, and sandals, and she had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She was always ready for new adventures, whether traveling, exploring, or simply "gallivanting." Peggy and her dear friend, Peggy Berkley of New Castle, PA, shared many memorable trips, including a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and a visit to Las Vegas. She also traveled to Germany to visit her youngest son, Rodney, and his wife, Caron, who were both serving as air traffic controllers with the U.S. Army in Wiesbaden. Peggy cherished their time together wandering the streets of Mainz, joined by her daughter-in-law, Sigrid, who was born and raised there. Peggy and Al also traveled to California to visit their oldest son, Alan, his wife Jennifer, and their family-and even took a cruise to Alaska. Although Peggy was a joyful and resilient person, she faced profound losses in her life. Her youngest son, Rodney, was tragically killed in a car accident at age 28 when a drunk driver crossed the center line and struck his vehicle head-on as he drove home after umpiring a Little League game. Peggy also lost her beloved younger sister, Phyllis Miller, her daughter-in-law Caron, and her husband Al, twenty years before her own passing. Despite these hardships, Peggy's strength and optimism never wavered. She loved life deeply and touched everyone she met with her kindness, humor, and compassion. Peggy also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cherished orange tabby cat, Ginger-her "best friend." In 2021, Peggy began experiencing balance problems and decided to move to Freedom Square of Seminole, a senior living community, where she was warmly cared for through independent living, assisted living, memory care and long term care. She was delighted that Ginger was allowed to stay with her throughout their time at Freedom Square. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, management, and, especially, the caregivers at Freedom Square, for their dedicated care, kindness, and love afforded to Peggy, since her arrival in April 2021. Peggy is survived by her sons, Alan and his wife, Jennifer [Miller]) of Sacramento, CA, and Dennis of Tampa, FL; four grandchildren, Jason and his wife, Beth of Camp Hill, PA, Dr. Chris and his wife, Christy of Dillsburg, PA, Christopher and his wife, Shannon of Citrus Heights, CA, and Megan of Burbank, CA; and four great-grandchildren, Rachel and Ryder Morgenstern of Dillsburg, PA, Sadie Morgenstern of Camp Hill, PA, and Isaac Emick of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by her nieces and a nephew: Alane Shaffer and her husband, John of Westland, MI, Lori Norris (and her husband, Ron) of Tacoma, WA, Cindi Miller of Leola, PA; and Art and his wife, Teri of Hermitage, PA. Peggy will be lovingly remembered by her former daughters-in-law, Janice (Morgenstern) Shuty of Mechanicsburg, PA, and Sigrid Morgenstern of Naples, FL, as well as by Concepción "Pepi" Soler of Tampa, FL, and Louie Ann "Loy" Stottler of Redington Beach, FL, all of whom shared a special bond with Peggy and remained close throughout her life. As mom, grandma, friend or a fellow parishioner at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hermitage, PA or Church By the Sea in Madera Beach, Peggy will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A Celebration of Life for Margaret "Peggy" Morgenstern will be announced at a later date, expected to be held in May 2026 in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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