Margaret Birkel

Margaret C. “Peg” Birkel, 84, formerly of Lower Saucon Township, Bethlehem, passed away on January 4, 2011 at Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown. She was the wife of James R. Birkel, who died in 2002. A son Thomas J. Birkel preceded his parents in death in 1981. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Thomas M. and Margaret T.(Gerling) Cunningham. She was a graduate of Liberty High School, class of 1944; and of William and Mary College, class of 1948. Margaret taught school in Linthicum, Maryland before returning home to teach at Rosemont and Nitschmann schools. She was a member of the Church of Assumption, B.V.M. of Colesville; where she was a member of the church council, a lector, and the treasurer of the church sodality for many years. Survivors: Nephew, Joseph E. Birkel of Bethlehem, and his wife Stacy; Niece, Sandra Reeves, and her husband, Henry, of Delaware; 4 great nephews and a great niece. Services: A Funeral Mass will be at 11 AM on Friday at the Church of the Assumption, B.V.M., 4101 Old Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18015. A viewing will be on Thursday, from 6-7 PM at the Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1418 Main Street, Hellertown; and from 10-11 AM on Friday at the Church. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Contributions: to the Church. To offer on-line condolences, please vivit www.falkfuneralhomes.com.