Peggy Stewart

Margaret "Peggy" A. Folmer Stewart, age 88, passed away peacefully in her home on July 8, 2025. Peggy was born December 19, 1936 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to the late James and Dorothy (Lawless) Folmer. A proud graduate of Lebanon Catholic High School, Class of 1954, she went on to complete nursing school before marrying the love of her life, Paul Stewart. Together, they shared almost 65 happy years of marriage together, built on love and God's quiet strength – with a few squabbles over pinochle along the way. Paul passed away in 2021, after a long and beautiful life together. Peggy had a down-to-earth spirit and a genuine warmth that put people instantly at ease. She didn't care much for formality, even concerning her name – what mattered most to her was kindness, connection, and making people feel seen and loved. Her quiet strength and deep faith in God were her foundation in life, and they guided the way she cared for all those around her. The way Peggy cared for others extended far beyond her family and friends – it was simply who she was. She took every opportunity to help people in need, right when they needed it most. For decades, she volunteered at Cedarbrook Nursing Home, where she led programs that brought joy and comfort to the residents. She was also deeply involved in her church community, organizing events, teaching Sunday school, and delivering meals to those in need. She also volunteered for the Salvation Army and supported other local churches and their events. She truly lived a life of love and faith in action. Peggy's favorite things in life were simple but telling: hot fudge sundaes, a fresh slice of pizza (or 3), a good mystery novel, and her family. True to who she was, she loved hosting "summer camp" days for her grandkids, cooking enough food for an army during Sunday dinners, and playing any kind of family card game (she was fierce competition). These small joys said everything about who she was – generous, nurturing, playful, and deeply rooted in love. Peggy is survived by her four children, Edwin (Theresa) of Cincinnati; Paul (Jane) of Macungie, Sandy (Paul McGoldrick) of Wescosville; and Mark (Ali) of Camp Hill; and her sister, Sister Dorothy D.C. of Missouri. She was a proud grandma of twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, with another expected in October, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, July 13 at 11 a.m. at Stephens Funeral Home, located at 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown, PA 18106. The service is open to friends and family. A private family burial will precede the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's memory to the The Parkinson's Foundation online, or by check to 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018; or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.