Bal

Margaret “Peggy” Ann Freeman Bal, 69, of Hernando, Fla., and Harmony, passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born May 30, 1955, in Erie and was the daughter of the late Clyde Freeman and Joyce Mueck.

Peggy graduated from Erie’s East High School and started her first job at Marine Bank. The bank later sponsored her for the Miss Downtown Erie Competition, where she was a finalist. She loved working with the public and held several positions over the years in the medical field.

Peggy’s pride and joy were her sons and grandchildren. She seldom missed watching Bella dance across the stage, Tyler take the pitch, Zack play ball, or Trip hit the ice. Her face lit up whenever she was with her family, and she cherished every moment she shared with them.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 48 years, Michael; her sons, Michael and his wife, Amy, and Daniel and his wife, Jessica; her four grandchildren, Bella, Tyler, Zack and Trip; and her brothers, Larry of Arizona and David of Florida. She also cherished her relationship with her two lifelong friends, Bonnie Homicz and Karen Dougherty.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her stepfather, George Mueck; and her grandmother, Marie McFadden, who held a special place in her heart.

To her husband, she was “Maggie,” the kindest, most loving person he ever met. She made him a better person.

She lives on not only in memory but also in the lives of those she impacted throughout the years. Whoever crossed her path — a loving family member, close friend or kind stranger — carries on her legacy, as her presence will forever echo in their hearts. To her family, she was more than just a wife, mother and grandmother. She was a confidant, a guide, a shoulder to lean on, a beacon of light, a best friend and a princess.

A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to the doctors, nurses, and staff at West Penn Hospital who provided outstanding care during this very challenging time.

BAL — Friends of Margaret “Peggy” Ann Freeman Bal, who died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, will be received for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at St. Gregory Catholic Church — Divine Grace Parish, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople.

Interment will be scheduled at a later date at Winter Green Gorge Cemetery in Erie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at support.pancan.org/goto/margaretbal.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.