Margaret M Swagner

Margaret “Peggy” Swagner gave her last salute to the world when she passed away

peacefully on Monday April 17th, 2023. She held on to her swagger and sass until the

very end. Affectionately known to the world as Nana, she passed while holding her

granddaughter Madison’s hand with her loving daughter Loretta and dog Bella nearby.

Peggy was born to Charles and Honora Swagner on January 9th, 1928 in Elizabeth, New

Jersey. Throughout her childhood, Peggy was known for her spunk. She went up against

social norms while growing up in the 30s and 40s. It did not matter what your race,

color, or creed was, Peggy was all heart. She protected her best friend Dorothy against

racist remarks on the playground and was never afraid to “stick it to the man”.

As she grew into her teenage years, Peggy followed the song of her heart all the way to

Coney Island. Peggy acted as the president of the Love that Boy Sinatra Fan Club and

even got to have a conversation with the man. She could often be found skipping school

to see Frank Sinatra perform, eventually being found out by her own mother. During

these years, Peggy’s daring nature came to fruition. She parachuted off the 250 foot tall

Coney Island Parachute Ride, explored the Big Apple, and frequented the CopaCabana

to learn her favorite dance, the Cha Cha.

After finishing high school, Peggy went to work in New York City. As a financial

administrator on Wall Street, she made sure that all of the stocks and bonds of her

clients got exactly where they were supposed to go. Peggy was so proud to be a working

woman in the city. She loved the hustle and bustle of the New York Stock Exchange and

seeing all the different people come and go.

In the 60s Peggy was blessed with two things: her mustang and her beloved daughter

Loretta. One of the happiest days of her life was the day she bought her songbird yellow

1966 Ford Mustang convertible. She loved to feel the breeze on her face, and the

freedom of the open road. The only thing that could top this joy was bringing her

daughter into the world. The moment that Loretta arrived, Peggy’s world was changed

forever.

As Loretta grew up, Peggy balanced the responsibilities of caring for her mother

Honora, raising Loretta, and continuing to work in the City. She was a hardworking

woman who loved her family above all else. Even through hard times, Peggy always

fought for the things her family needed most. She raised a strong and loving daughter

who never ceased to make her proud.

During the years after Loretta went away to college, Peggy found love. The only person

who could keep this independent woman on her toes was Vincent Constantino. Hailing

from Astoria Queens, Vincent and Peggy made many fond memories over the multiple

decades they spent together. He was truly a part of the family and was known as Poppy,

making delicious Italian meals, giving the girls haircuts, and being a pillar of support for

Peggy. Her long time love and fiancé passed away from cancer in 2008, but always

remained in her heart.

Through all of this Peggy was a woman of devout faith. She was an avid Roman Catholic

who loved going to Church. After each Mass, she would go around to all of the saints in

the church with her daughter and granddaughter to say a specific prayer to each of

them. The Virgin Mother Mary, Saint Anthony, Saint Patrick, Saint Joseph, and

especially Saint Jude were featured in her rounds. Peggy had a generous heart and

always donated to the Saint Jude Foundation without fail. Saint Jude Thaddeus was

Peggy, Madison, and Loretta’s patron saint and provided solace when all hope seemed

lost. Through the power of prayer, Peggy’s faith restored her hope for the world time

and time again.

Peggy was always close by when her family needed her. When her granddaughter

Madison was born, Peggy was the first one to visit the hospital and loved to babysit. She

and Madison had a special bond that lasted throughout her life. They would play games,

swim in her pool, and go on adventures together. Peggy was even happy to sit on the

couch and watch Iron Man or Star Wars with Madison. Even though Peggy and Madison

were grandmother and granddaughter, somehow their bond became that of sisters as

well.

When her health began to decline, Loretta and Joe welcomed Peggy into their home. She

was always surrounded by her family, spending time with Loretta while she worked from

home and Madison when she got home from school. Joe, who she insisted on calling

Joseph, was one of her favorite people. Even after Joe and Loretta separated, she would

call him “her Joseph”, and he would be waiting in the wings in case she ever needed him.

Peggy was always an avid rescuer of dogs. As she often liked to say, “If you don’t like my

dog- I don’t like you.” She adopted all different breeds from the local animal shelter, but

held a special affinity for English Springer Spaniels. Photos of her previous springer

Watson and current springer Bella grace every square inch of her home. She passed in

peace knowing that Bella was right outside of the hospital on her afternoon walk with

her daughter Loretta.

Peggy was a source of joy and brightness in the lives of her daughter, granddaughter,

and doggy Bella each and every day. Every morning when she would wake up, the first

thing she would ask for was her coffee. Peggy loved all of us, but having a hot sip of

Italian coffee made life worth living. As she woke up for the day she would enjoy a

croissant with ham and swiss cheese in bed while cuddling up to her baby Bella. At her

bedside we would gossip on all the latest world news, watch movies until late in the

night, and sing all her favorite songs together. Her off-key harmonies were music to our

ears. Peggy’s home was always filled to the brim with love.

Even in the weeks leading up to her passing, Nana was always able to bring a smile to

our faces. She cracked jokes with nurses and family alike, and even did her secret

handshake with Madison. Grandmother, Mother, and Daughter: the love of these Three

Generations is everlasting. Peggy was deeply loved by her family and will be missed by

everyone whose lives she touched.

Peggy’s wake will be held on Saturday April 22nd, 2023 from 9:00am-10:30am at Our

Lady of the Magnificat Church, 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon NJ. Her funeral mass will follow

immediately at 10:30am. Mass will be streamed at https://www.olmchurch.org look for video on demand.