Margaret “Peggy” Swanson

October 5, 2025

Margaret “Peggy” Swanson, 92, formerly of Swoyersville, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing, Wilkes-Barre.

She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late Michael and Margaret Fay Gagatek. Peggy was employed for many years as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, having worked for the Visiting Nurses Association and as a private duty aide.

Peggy was a devout Catholic and member of St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish in Wilkes-Barre.

Blessed with a long and beautiful life, Mom embraced every moment with grace, curiosity, and a heart full of love. Her journey was filled with remarkable experiences that reflected her adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for the world around her.

One of her most cherished memories was attending President Ronald Reagan’s Inaugural Ball in 1981, a moment of pride and celebration that she spoke of often. Her love for travel took her across the globe, from the romantic landscapes of Italy and the serene beauty of Switzerland to the historic charm of the United Kingdom, where London captured her heart. She held a special admiration for Queen Elizabeth, whose grace and strength she deeply respected.

Her adventures didn’t stop there. Asia welcomed her with open arms, and she explored the rich cultures of Japan, China, and beyond. Walking the Great Wall of China was a highlight, an experience she treasured and recounted with joy and wonder.

Above all, Mom’s greatest pride was her family. She loved each of us in her own unique way, always cheering us on and celebrating our successes. She beamed with joy at her grandchildren’s accomplishments and was blessed to dance at their weddings, her heart full as she welcomed each great-grandchild into the world.

Now, it is time for her to rest. May God bless her gentle soul, and may she continue to smile down upon us, her love forever guiding our way.

Preceding her is death was her former husband, Oscar J. Kroll Jr.; second husband, Thomas Doty and her third husband, William Carl Swanson. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Edward Gagatek and his wife, Rita and by her brother-in-law, Albert Danouski.

Peggy is survived by her children, Patricia Kroll Magistro and her husband, Frank, of Forty Fort and Garry A. Kroll and his wife, Ann Maria, of Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Melissa MacNeely and her husband, Michael, Carmen Magistro and his wife, Meighan, Kaitlyn Jurbala and her husband, William, Kara Kroll, Garry A. Kroll Jr. and his fiancé, Kylie Hughes and Nicole Maple; great grandchildren, Camryn, Michael Jr. and Andrew MacNeely, Frankie, Roman, Luca and Maxwell Magistro and Theo, Tatum and Gianna Kroll; sister, Marlene Danouski, Shavertown; brother, Thomas Gagatek and his wife, Carol, Wilkes-Barre and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10 am in St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the Mass on Saturday from

9-10 am at the church. Those attending the service and visitation are asked to go directly to the church on Saturday.

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy’s memory to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Peggy’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.