Obituaries

Margaret “Peggy” A. (Long) Evans, a lifelong Scranton resident, passed away peacefully Friday, following an illness. She was 89.
On October 18, 2013, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, William Evans, Jr.
Born on July 12, 1934 and raised in West Scranton, Peggy was the daughter of the late Jack T. and Thelma (Burge) Long. She was a graduate of West Scranton High School’s Class of 1952. She then attended Kings College in New York.
Peggy’s lifelong passion was singing, training in N.Y.C. at an early age. A talented soprano who could hit even the highest of notes, her exceptional talent was heard at countless concerts, operas and shows throughout her youth and well beyond. A November 10, 1948 article in the Scranton Tribune described the solo performance of Peggy at age 14 to a full West Scranton High School auditorium and her singing teacher’s plans to take Peggy to Hollywood. Peggy had other plans and continued to sing locally in her church and community.
A pillar of The Jackson Street Baptist Church, Peggy served the church in just about every capacity possible. From singing in the church’s choir to serving on its music committee to being a longtime Sunday School Teacher, she selflessly volunteered in many ways.
Peggy’s caring and nurturing nature were always on display. She was an absolute joy to be around, always up for a good laugh. She always enjoyed time spent with the “ladybugs”, her reunited high school classmates.
The epitome of a faithful Christian wife, mother, gramma and sister, Peggy will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her loving family, including her sons Douglas Evans and wife Lisa of Scranton and David Evans and wife Lee Ann of Downingtown; her six grandchildren, David (D.J.), Brynn and husband Colin, Nicole, Trevor, Owen and Nora; a great grandson, Graham; sisters, Beverly Pehanick of Moscow and Jacqueline Allen of Scranton; and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to offer their gratitude to the entire staff of both Glenmaura Senior Living and also Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the collective care, compassion and kindness given to Peggy over the past few months.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Friday at 11:00 AM at Jackson Street Baptist Church, 1206 Jackson Street, West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Elliott Cooke, Pastor. Burial will follow at the Washburn Street Cemetery.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peggy’s name to her church, Jackson Street Baptist c/o 1206 Jackson St., Scranton PA. 18504.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.