Margaret "Peggy" Newell

Peggy Newell, age 86, of Ligonier, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, December 31, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice. She was born on February 6, 1938, in Westmoreland County. Peggy lived a life full of love, adventure, and devotion to her family.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Bob, and their five children: Robert W. (Michelle) Newell Jr. of Houston, TX; Ronald E. Newell of Bradford Woods; Randy S. (Karen) Newell of Lower Burrell; Rodney J. Newell of Corpus Christi, TX; and Lisa A. Newell of Bradford Woods. Peggy was a proud and cherished Grammy to her nine grandchildren: Kelli, Stephanie, Hannah, Abi Gail, Eva, Thomas, Trevor, Rebecca, and Travis, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Some of her greatest joys came from her five children. Peggy loved being at the ball field, watching her boys play and her husband coach them on to victory! She helped raise us to love sports—whether playing or watching—experiencing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat!

Although wrestling was dangerous, she loved cheering for Randy and Rod. They executed the coolest moves: the banana split, the guillotine, the elevator, and the fireman’s carry. What fun it was to watch!

I was an Olga Korbut wannabe, very flexible, and they used to practice the moves on me because I could bend like a pretzel without getting injured. It was great to be included as the youngest and the only girl.

We didn’t grow up with all the distractions of today. Pong was the hottest video game for us. Sports kept us out of trouble…well, most of the time! Ha.

Unfortunately, time has slowed us all down, but the guys are still good golfers. (Ron said, “Except for Randy!” lol.) It’s a respectable game for old men. HaHa.

As we started our careers, we began sending our parents on vacations as Christmas gifts (thanks, Cathy). Peg really enjoyed their trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Europe. While in Amsterdam’s Red-Light District, mom decided to snap a picture of a working “girl” through the window. That is not permitted, and the woman chased her down the street for a couple of blocks. Thank goodness she could outrun her! (She was always in great shape.)

Peg found joy in preparing meals and sweets for her family. Her treats, like elderberry pie, German chocolate cake, and gobs, were family favorites. Her homemade cinnamon rolls would warrant a Paul Hollywood handshake, for sure!

She had a knack for finding the perfect gift, and it was important to her to attend all birthdays, recitals, graduations—any celebration, both near and far. It was obvious that she always wanted the recipient to feel extra special.

Family get-togethers for holidays were the best, especially when they included lots of games! She wasn’t what you would call a card sharp, but a heated game of 500 Bid or Skat with the grandkids made her so happy! She always got a kick out of Travis when he would “knock” without looking at his cards!

Peg lived to spend time with her grandkids. Trevor said she used to open the car’s sunroof and let him stand up through it so he could pretend it was a tank!
While babysitting, Mom mentioned that she felt fat (bloated), and a 4-year-old Trevor quickly replied, “You’re not fat, Grammy, just your legs are!” She retold that story with such amusement, thinking it was hilarious how she walked right into it!

Becca remembered a night when she had trouble falling asleep at Grammy’s house when she was young. Mom played Sorry! and watched TV with her until 1 a.m. It was so nice that Grammy didn’t insist she go to sleep and shared some girl time instead!

There are so many cherished memories—too many to list here. Please know how proud she was of all the grandkids’ accomplishments in the military, academics, hunting, and golf.

Fond memories surround Peg’s love of music. I remember listening to 78s of Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard, dancing around the living room. As we got older, her music tastes evolved. She loved country, pop, and rock.

Led Zeppelin was one of her favorite bands: “Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Heartbreaker,” to name a few songs. One time, I asked her about “Whole Lotta Love” and if she knew what he was singing. She said, “No, I don’t pay attention to the words—it just sounds good.” Then, in a low voice, she asked, “Why, is it vulgar?” I told her I had heard worse!

In the last few months, Mom could no longer drive. However, when she did, she had a lead foot! There’s a hill going toward Ligonier, past what’s called Long Bridge Station. She would turn on her all-time favorite Bob Seger’s “Feel Like a Number,” hit the accelerator, and say, “I hope no one gets in my way!” In seconds, she’d be doing 90! (Thanks, Ron!) What a dream car for her!

Last year, I taught her how to play music through YouTube on her TV. We would stay up until the wee hours of the morning listening to songs. We took turns picking what to play. Sometimes, while reading my phone and not paying attention, she would play “Go Rest High on that Mountain” by Vince Gill and Patty Loveless—the one at George Jones’ memorial. I could name that song in three notes. Looking up, I’d see her grinning at me, waiting for my reaction. She knew I’d sob uncontrollably by the refrain. Watching Vince unable to sing rips your heart out. It’s one of the saddest songs ever, but she LOVED it!

Afterward, she’d play “American Woman” (the Lenny Kravitz version), and my world was restored. She was always a mom!

I will play that song one more time for her and hope to never hear it again!
I know your life on earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren’t afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain.
Go rest high on that mountain,
[Mom,] your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son.


Mom, WE ALL LOVE YOU, EXTRA! (Even though the first thing out of your mouth each morning was, “Where’s Cooper?” the GSD!)

Your example of graceful strength and fabulous sense of humor will sustain us until we meet again.

Save a seat for me next to the dessert table!

Per Peggy's wishes there will be no public services arrangements entrusted to RJ Slater IV Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1000 Freeport Rd, New Kensington. 724-335-0100. www.rjslater.com