Margaret J. Gale

Margaret J. (Peggy) Gale, 89, of West Chester, died on December 15th at Morningside House of Exton. She was the widow of William E. Gale, Jr., who passed away in 2021.

Born in Shenandoah, PA, the eldest daughter of the late Martin J. Purcell and Catherine (Ryan), she attended Shenandoah Catholic High School and graduated from West Chester State Teachers College.

Peggy worked as a substitute teacher at Henderson High School for several years and then as a clerk in the Chester County Treasurer’s office. For years she was also a home party sales representative for Dutchmaid clothing. Margaret loved to read, (especially Agatha Christie novels) and did her crossword puzzles IN PEN. She also enjoyed Phillies baseball, casinos, and Walnut Street Theatre shows. 

She and her husband were charter members of the ‘Keg Klub’ at the West End Gun Club and spent many summer weekends camping outside Ocean City NJ.

Peggy is survived by her five children: William (Carolyn), Michael (Janet), Thomas, Matthew, and Julianne (Mark) McCarthy; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her sister Ann McLaughlin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides her husband and parents, sisters Mary Ellen Mulligan and Catherine Marie Withers predeceased her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, and on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc.; 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380; followed by her Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity in her memory are welcome.

Interment will be private.