Margaret A. Harker 1933-2025

Margaret “Peg” was born July 21, 1933, in Youngstown, to James and Vera Swisher.

She married her beloved husband, Harry Harker, on Aug. 20, 1955, at Delason Methodist Church in Youngstown. Together, they raised three children, Mark, Beth and Tim.

Margaret graduated from South High School in Youngstown in 1951. After high school, she worked at Ohio Bell for five years until her son, Mark, was born.

She was a wonderful, supportive mother to her children and was always willing to help her neighbors and those in her community. Shortly after her children were old enough for school, Margaret began working in the education field. For many years, she taught nursery school at Lockwood United Methodist Church, followed by several more years as a teacher’s aide for Boardman Local Schools.

Peg and Harry were pillars of the church, first at Lockwood United Methodist and then at Mount Olivet Church of Christ in North Lima. She accompanied her husband on several mission trips where they helped flood victims in the southern United States.

Margaret proudly enjoyed many activities with her children and grandchildren. She also was very active in the Boardman Band and Orchestra Parents, where she enjoyed years of great friendships and activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Margaret leaves her sons, Mark Harker of Pahoa, Hawaii, and Tim Harker of Boardman; daughter, Beth Freedman of Boyton Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Aaron, Marissa, Ian, James and Jackie; three great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Swisher; and many friends.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, at Mount Olivet Church of Christ in North Lima with the family’s pastor, Tim Paroz. A calling hour will be held at 10 a.m.

Donations may be made in Margaret’s honor to Mount Olivet Church of Christ or Akeso Hospice Care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Davis-Becker Funeral Home, Boardman. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.

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