Margaret Helen “Peggy/Mamaw/Sunflower” Cole, 93, of Centre Hall, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021, at Juniper Village in State College. Born on March 6, 1928, in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late William W. and Helen E (Schabla) Dalbey. On December 18, 1953, she married Richard H. “Dick” Cole, who preceded her in death on December 7, 2011.
Peggy graduated from Lemoyne High School in 1946. She attended Dickinson College and continued her education at Abington Memorial Hospital, where she completed the ASCP requirements for medical technology. She worked as a medical lab technician until she and Dick started having children. Peg and Dick came to State College when Dick started graduate school in 1955. In 1960, they moved their young family to Newark, DE and Dick worked for the University of Delaware for about 10 years before moving back to Centre Hall. They enjoyed traveling and spent many summers at the family farmhouse in Maine. They attended many Penn State, Penns Valley, and Bellefonte athletic events together over the years After the children were grown, she worked at Jostens and then as an administrative assistant for the Dean of Liberal Arts at Penn State, from which she retired. After retirement, she wanted to do something more, something that could bring joy to peoples lives and make them smile, therefore, she and some friends attended clown college. She would go to various nursing homes and hospitals, walk in the Grange Fair parade every year, and attend other events as Sunflower the clown to bring smiles to those around her until she was 90 years old.
Peggy was a member of the St. John’s Union Church in Farmers Mills, where she was a Sunday school teacher. She was always on the go. She liked to sew, knit, read, and play the violin and piano. She was a pen pal for elementary school children, member of the Centre Hall Woman’s Club, and TOPS Centre Hall, and volunteering at Sunny Days Adult Daycare. She enjoyed doing volunteer work and helping others. She was a Centre Hall Brownie Girl Scouts Leader for 18 years. She cherished the memories of many great people, from her “Perfect Brownie Girl Scouts” to those she met doing older adult activities. She made great friendships everywhere she went. She was giving woman, who was not afraid to step in when she saw someone needed help. In the mid 70’s, she started a fund raiser, selling subs, to help a family in need, and she continued assisting with various fundraising events throughout her life. She loved and enjoyed life. She wants everyone to remember this, “Only you can give a smile!” So, whether it is through a phone call or kind gesture, share a smile with someone, especially those that are unable to get around anymore.
Peggy is survived by one son, Richard R. Cole and his wife, Patricia, of Palmyra; three daughters, Elizabeth A. Irwin of Centre Hall, Constance S. Ritchie and her husband, Denny, of Christiansburg, VA, and Martha J. Hoff and her husband, Brian, of York Springs; 12 grandchildren, Kate Weaver (Bill), Kristin Irwin (Matt), Robert Irwin, Christopher Irwin, Charles Ritchie, Jefferson Ritchie, Charles Hoff, Nathan Hoff, Elizabeth Miller (Nathan), Bridget Whitman (Andrew), Timothy Cole (Mellanie), and Kevin Cole; nine great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, Peggy was preceded in death by one brother, Williamm Dalbey and two sisters, Rose Lemke and Martha Bower, she was the last of her generation.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family with Rev Loretta Dietrich officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Farmers Mills Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the HOPE Fund of Penns Valley, PO Box 427, Centre Hall, PA 16828 or St John’s Lutheran Church, 296 Ridge Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc, 228 S Pennsylvania Ave, PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.