Marguerite “Peggy” Pease Emery, died peacefully Sunday, August 30, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 14, 1925 in Canonsburg, a daughter of Dr. Harry S. and Nelle Herron Pease. She was a lifelong resident of Canonsburg graduating from Canonsburg High School in 1943 and Hood College in 1947. Her first profession was as a dietitian. She worked at Allegheny General Hospital and then Canonsburg Hospital. Later, she pursued a new career and became an elementary teacher with Canon McMillan School District for 30 years. Mrs. Emery is remembered by her students for the end of year picnic at her home, reading chapter books out loud, creative learning and her passionate yet no nonsense approach to learning. She had students decorate material which she had made in to dresses wore to open house.
Preceded in death by her husband, Tom Emery, and sister Nanie Gamble, Peggy is survived by her four children, Becky Emery (Mike Garner) of Salisbury, MD, Scott Emery (Katie) of Scottsdale, AZ, Katherine Emery (Gary Gilman) of Canonsburg, PA and Melissa Emery–Gillo (George) of Washington; grandchildren, Camerion Schmelzle, Rob Garner, Jason and Chris (Meredith) Gillo, Jordan Emery, and George Emery Gilman, and four great grandchildren, Carter and Declan, Madeline and Jack and three beloved nieces, Susan Halleck, Gail Gamble and Amy Cochran.
Peggy was a role model for volunteerism. She was a lifelong member of the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church serving most recently as a leader of Active Christian Seniors, a member of the Canonsburg Hospital Auxiliary where she ran the gift shop for many years, board member of the Canonsburg Library for 30 years, active in the Canonsburg BPW, serving as president for two years, as well as Canonsburg Meals on Wheels, the Historical Society, and the Giant Oaks Garden Club.
Peggy and Tom’s home was always an open, welcoming and lively place for their friends and their children's friends. They were blessed with including Jimmy Maund in their daily family dinners. Peg and Tom enjoyed square dancing with the Friendly Folks square dancers and were avid bridge players. They had a wonderful close group of friends and were known as great hosts for parties, picnics and organizing trips and activities for all.
Friends will be welcomed from 2 to 8 PM Friday, September 4, 2015 and 10 to 11 AM Saturday, September 5, 2015 in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra Owner/Supervisor, Lin Webb Funeral Director, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg 724-745-8120. A celebration of life will be held at 12 Noon in Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, 112 West Pike Street, Canonsburg with a luncheon and time of fellowship immediately following.
Memorial contributions can be made to Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church or The Frank Sarris Public Library of Canonsburg.
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