Margareth M. Kilgus, 92, of Watsontown, formerly of Muncy Valley, died Monday, August 28, 2023, at her home of Watsontown Manor.
Born November 28, 1930, in Lake Ariel, PA, Margareth (also known as Aunt Peggy, Aunt Sissy, Peg/Peggy, and GG) was a daughter of Franz and Louise (Reer) Marquardt. She graduated from the former Sonestown High School in 1948. She and her late husband, J. “Dick” Kilgus, shared a full life of 65 years together. Margareth modeled strength in her belief in all things good as she cared for her family as wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend of all animals, particularly dogs. She was an avid reader and frequently could be found visiting the Hughesville and Muncy public libraries. Tending to her own garden, canning the various fruits and vegetables that she harvested, and nurturing all varieties of plants was a source of great pleasure for both Margareth and her family. To help support her family, she was employed by W. T. Grant (Montoursville), Britts (Loyalsock), and Hess’s (Lycoming Mall). In addition, Margareth worked as a seamstress/craftswoman up to the time of her passing. Early on as a resident of the Watsontown Manor, she was invited to create monthly displays on her resident floor. In true character, Margareth embraced this opportunity with the same level of enthusiasm and joy that she modeled with every new adventure and with life itself.
Margareth’s immediate surviving family members are daughters June (Tom) Zimmerman of Williamsport and Ocie Kilgus (Gary Entz) of Rhinelander, WI, and son J. Ned (DeNiess) Kilgus of Watsontown; grandchildren Brian (Nuttiya) Zimmerman of Quincy, MA, Andrew (Amanda) Zimmerman of Lewisburg, Claire Zimmerman of Los Angeles, CA, Zachery (Alicia) Kilgus of Stephenville, TX, Sydney Kilgus-Vesely of Asheville, NC, Zane Kilgus of Watsontown; and three great-grandchildren, Slate Kilgus and Maci and Samantha Zimmerman. Aunt Sissy is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews and by sister-in-laws: Pauline Johnson, Hughesville and Jean Marquardt. Jane (Gary) Seibert started as essential caregivers to Margareth and Dick but immediately captured Margareth’s heart as beloved family members.
In addition to her parents, Margareth was preceded in death by her husband (in 2015) and a daughter, Barbara Kilgus (in 2009); brothers Edward Reer and Robert, Frank, Alton, Arthur, and Daniel Marquardt; sister Louise “Lady” Ledger; and great-grandson Brady Zimmerman.
A celebration of Margareth’s life for family and friends will be announced at a future date via McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville, PA 17737.
To honor Margareth’s memory, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hughesville Public Library, Muncy Public Library, and local ASPCAs. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.
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