Margaret McGuirk
Margaret E. “Peggy” McGuirk, of Butler, passed away on Dec. 5, 2021, at Butler Memorial Hospital.
She was born Jan. 13, 1934, in Chicora, and was the daughter of the late Lorenzo and Florence (Gilmore) McCollough.
Peggy worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Will Suppler and Dr. Richard Bonnett.
Before retiring in 1993, she had a variety of interests and was involved with Rainbow Girls and the Order of the Eastern Star for many years.
Peggy began playing the organ at the age of 14, following in the footsteps of her mother, and had served as a church organist for almost 72 years. One friend noted that she spent more time “on the bench” than Judge Judy. She was currently the organist at Covenant United Presbyterian Church in Butler, and enjoyed planning and preparing music for festive seasons of the church year, working with soloists and choirs.
Peggy loved music and played for many shows with MTG Theatre, MTG (Bob McGinnis) Singers, Jewish Men's Chorale, Hill Youth Chorale and Swingsations. She served as a board member for the Butler Symphony for almost 20 years, and recently as the secretary for the Homeowners Association at Crown Pointe.
Other interests included traveling with family members and an annual family vacation to Lakeside, Ohio. She was known for her pleasant and accommodating nature, except when it came to playing cards with her grandchildren.
Peggy always had a “project” in process, and delighted in traveling to assist her children in seasonal activities as “extra hands” were needed. She had an open heart, and was devoted to her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert McGuirk. They were strong supporters of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Pops, and served as ushers for many years at Benedum Center.
She is survived by one son, John E. McGuirk (Richard Knaggs) of San Francisco, Calif.; and three daughters, Kathy (Dr. Tim Philabaum) of Perrysburg, Ohio, Margie (Dr. Dan Vogt) of Delaware, Ohio, and Beth (Gary Gazica) of West View, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; her niece, Martha Zeigler (Paul) Eberhardt of North Hills; her brother, John (Brice) McCollough of Blue Belle, Pa.; and her other nieces and nephews.
MCGUIRK — A private burial for Margaret E. “Peggy” McGuirk, who died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, was held Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, 215 N. McKean St., Butler. The family requests that only those who are vaccinated attend the celebration of life and masks will be required.
Arrangements are being handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Butler.
Memorials can be made to the Butler County Symphony Association, 295 South Main St., Butler, PA 16001, or Covenant Presbyterian Church, 230 East Jefferson St., Butler, PA 16001.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.
