Margaret “Peggy” A. Witman, 89, passed peacefully into Heaven on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. A short-term resident of Juniper Village in Lebanon, PA, she lived in Quentin, PA for most of her life. She was born on October 7,1936 in Hershey, PA, a daughter of the late Jay and Olive (Cassel) Smith.
On January 8, 1955, Peggy married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, John J. Witman. After 70 years of marriage, he sadly passed away in February of last year. Now they are eternally reunited.
Peggy graduated from Cornwall High School in 1954. She completed the College Prep. Course of Study, was a member of the National Honor Society, played saxophone in the school band, appeared in the senior class play, played on the basketball team, and was also a cheerleader.
Peggy was a faithful member of Salem Lutheran Church in Lebanon; a member of the Quentin Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary; and a singer in a Barbershop Quartet. Before retirement, Peggy worked for the Cornwall-Lebanon School District in the cafeteria. In her thirteen years there her main job was a cook/baker – first at Cornwall Elementary/Middle School and then at Cedar Crest Middle School. She also enjoyed working at Lebanon Expo.
She enjoyed cooking, always trying new recipes, knitting, and sewing, making beautiful quilts for family members, reading, and her baking was over the top! She was famous for her sugar cookies (dozens upon dozens were made over the years) and also her gift of making the thinnest sand tarts. She would start making them in October and give dozens away to family and friends at Christmas. Whatever holiday or birthday, you could count on her to supply “many” delicious baked goods.
She loved spending time with her family, and her absolute joys in her life were her four grandchildren. When they were young, she would babysit, have sleepovers, and sing to them at bedtime. When they were older, she would pick them up at school and would also attend school events and their many other activities. Whenever needed, she was there for them. Our families cherish and remember those moments. What a blessing to have those memories.
She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. She also knew that two more great-grandchildren are on the way.
Left to cherish Peggy’s memory are her children, James (Ann) Witman, Susan (Peter) Dussinger; grandchildren, Kevin (fiancé Jess Sprout) Witman, Ryan (Nicole Specht) Witman, Kaitlyn (Jared) Neeper and Courtney (Van) McCarren; great grandchildren, Ellie Neeper, Finnegan McCarren and Waverly Specht-Witman; and a niece and nephews, Julie Wegmiller, Eric Tornoe and Greg Tornoe.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Olive; husband, John; sister, Jackie Tornoe; and brother-in-law, Fred Tornoe.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Juniper Village who took excellent care of Peggy.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Salem Lutheran Church, 119 N. 8th St., Lebanon, PA on Friday, June 26 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Lutheran Church, 119 N. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 or Quentin Volunteer Fire Company, 20 S. Lebanon Street, Lebanon, PA 17042
