Margaret E. Shirey 1928-2026

Peggy was born in Ellwood City, Pa., to the late Charles Atwood Adams and Hazel Curry Adams.

She met her childhood sweetheart, Lewis “Lew” Shirey, at an eighth grade skating party. They married in 1951, a bond that lasted over 70 years.

Peggy and Lew both graduated from Lincoln High School and earned bachelor’s degrees at Westminster College. They were also active in theater in college and after, helping found the Red Barn Theater near Ellwood. Peggy was also very active in her sorority, Kappa Delta, and formed lifelong bonds with sorority sisters. After college, she had a career teaching business and typing and, later, preparing taxes.

Peggy and Lew had a family of four children, always giving each of them endless support, love and guidance during their lifetimes.

Together, Peggy and Lew developed a passion for travel, eventually visiting every U.S. state and several other countries, but their favorite vacations were with family at the beach.

Service and generosity were hallmarks of Peggy’s life and her welcoming smile, cheerful warmth and friendship touched the lives of many people. She was active for many years in community organizations; was an officer in the Pennsylvania Order of the Rainbow for Girls; served in the Poland and Ellwood historical societies, the Poland Trailwood Garden Club and the Poland Athletic Boosters; and she was a devoted member and volunteer at the Poland United Methodist Church for 55 years.

Friends and family knew Peggy always had a place at the table for them if they were coming across town or across the country. Whether in person or on the phone, she kept her web of community tightly connected as she gathered and relayed important information and updates, like the thread of a quilt, holding all the widespread patches together.

Peggy is survived by her children, Richard (Linda) Shirey, Eric (Linda Elwood) Shirey, Jane (Anthony) Congelio and David (Cheri) Shirey; her grandchildren, Alicia (Justin) Miller, Matthew (Amanda Kurold) Shirey, Trevor Shirey, Christopher Congelio, Sage Shirey, Tyler (Aubrey Deakle) Shirey, Jax (Alan Morris) Shirey and Jason Shirey; and great-grandchildren, Skylar, Kaim, Aria and Alexander.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Shirey; her brother, Charles (Chuck) Adams; and sisters, Avereal Rhea, Phyllis Koach and Shirley Blaine.

Memorial tributes may be made through donations to Poland United Methodist Church or the Cancer Research Institute.

At this time, there will be no calling hours or services for Peggy. A public celebration of life will be announced for a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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