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(April 1, 1915 - Sept. 12, 2011)
Margaret “Peggy” Pancoast Morris of West Chester, Pa., died on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, lovingly surrounded by her children, Nicholas W. (Madelyn) Morris of Powell, Priscilla M. (Carter) Wellford of Virginia, and Anthony (Betty) Morris of West Chester and many of her grandchildren. She was 96.
Peggy was born on April 1, 1915 in a blizzard, the daughter of Howard D. and Kathleen Allen Pancoast. She was raised on her family’s farm at Allendale in King of Prussia.
In 1941, Peggy married Nicholas W. Morris, who won her heart, at least in part, by flying her around in his Ryan aircraft on moonlit nights.
Peggy graduated from the Phoebeanna Thorne School and attended Harcum in Bryn Mawr. She was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the Great Valley, where she was on the auxiliary for many years.
She belonged to the Busy Bees in Chester Springs and was also a charter member of the Conestoga Garden Club, where she shared and gained her noteworthy gardening experience, particularly with flowers. Peg was devoted to her service on the Paoli Memorial Auxiliary, where she spent more than 35 years as a volunteer helping families in the operating and emergency waiting rooms.
Peg also loved to knit, needlepoint and sew.
In 1954, she and her husband, Nick, moved to Chester Springs, where they renovated an old Pennsylvania farm, which came to be known as Allenwaln. While Nick did the heavy lifting, it was Peg who made the house into a warm and happy home, where all were welcome to share her excellent cooking. Many family friends can remember how she could “hold” a meal well beyond the appointed dinner hour and that it would still have its gourmet taste. This also held true for happy times spent at their summer cottage, the Pickle House, in Beach Haven, N.J.
Peg had a unique and special relationship with each of her 13 grandchildren and was thrilled when each of her 12 great-grandchildren was born.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas W. Morris; son, David P. Morris; parents; two brothers and three sisters.
A private graveside service will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Devon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic, 450 Mountain View St., Powell, WY 82435.
Founds Funeral Home in West Chester, Pa., was in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.foundsfuneralhome.com.
