Margaret C. Pankratz's Obituary
Margaret C. “Peggy” Pankratz, 91, of Pittsburgh, Pa., went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 4, 2023. She was lovingly surrounded by her daughters Karen P. Boucher, Kristine P. Sturim (husband Douglas), and Karla P. Ray (husband Michael DeNamur). She was devoted grandmother to their children, Nicholas, Jennifer, Madeleine and Christopher.
Peggy was the oldest child of the late Grant and Ruth Falk and deceased siblings Gerald Falk, and Ruth Ann Payton (and her late husband John). She is survived by sister Carol Kohl (late husband Ronald), Jon Falk (wife Diane), Janice Seigle (late husband Allan), and many nieces and nephews. Raised in McKeesport and White Oak, Pa., Peggy was a graduate of McKeesport Area High School and Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa., where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She pursued her career thereafter, holding elementary school teaching positions in McKeesport and in East Orange, N.J.
While a kindergarten teacher in Madison, Wis., she also worked toward a Master’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was there that she met and wed her former husband, James Pankratz. She became the beloved mother of her three daughters, ultimately raising her family in Wisconsin. Peggy was creative and enjoyed teaching her daughters crafts, throwing the most ingenious “treasure hunt” birthday parties, and sharing her Christian faith with her family. She was a master seamstress who took pride in making her daughters beautifully detailed holiday and special event dresses, both while they were young and even into their college years. She took pride in her home, turning her creative talents to refurbishing antique furniture finds and decorating. She never refused a game of bridge, a pastime during college years and beyond.
She was also an accomplished pianist and vocalist. She offered her singing talents to high school and college choirs and glee club. During her years in Wisconsin, she enjoyed accompanying her family, her church choir and local high school vocalists. Her patience and kindness made her a natural born teacher; and she continued to share this gift with her students by teaching Sunday school classes, assisting as a teacher’s aide at the local elementary school, and later working as a private tutor. The years Peggy lived in Wisconsin always held a special place in her heart, and she cherished the friendships she made while there.
In her later years, Peggy ultimately relocated back to the Pittsburgh, Pa., area and enjoyed the company of family and past and new friends. For several years, she led a support group for those suffering chronic pain, forming life-long friendships with those who benefitted from her leadership and compassion. As the family grew and spread across the miles, she kept in touch with loved ones through letters and phone calls. More recently, she participated in family ZOOM calls and connected with family and friends via FaceTime.
She will be remembered for her subtle sense of humor, her grace and gentleness and for her empathy and concern for others. Most of all, she will be forever remembered for her abundant motherly love, attentiveness and gratitude for her daughters, sons in-law and grandchildren. Peggy was a strong, beautiful, and kind person, as well as a loving mother, grandmother, sibling, aunt and friend who is loved deeply by all. She will be greatly missed.
The family also greatly appreciates and thanks all of her friends and caregivers who helped look after her in recent years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. For family and friends unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed live. The streaming link will be provided closer to service day.
A video tribute along with additional information for flowers and remembrances will also be provided here at a later date that is closer to the service.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Westminster College, in memory of “Margaret C. Pankratz ’54” (With a Gift Designation to Other: School of Education), either online at www.westminster.edu or by mail to Westminster College, 319 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16172.
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