Margaret E. (McCloskey) Alberth

   Margaret Elizabeth Alberth, age 101, of Tidioute, PA, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2015, at the Rouse Home in Youngsville, PA.  She was born on April 2, 1914, in Tidioute, PA, daughter of the late Joseph Edward and Carrie Marie (Mickelson) McCloskey. 

   She remained a resident of Tidioute for most of her long life and thought it was a wonderful place to grow up and raise her family. She attended Hunter Memorial School in Tidioute, graduating in 1931 and she remained a strong supporter of the school all her life.  She was a teacher’s aide and library aide at the school for 14 years where she shared her love of reading with many young students. Margaret attended the Tidioute Senior Center regularly for 28 years where she served as volunteer helper and president.  She was a faithful member of the Tidioute Presbyterian Church for 73 years.  During that time she held many offices and participated in other church activities including the choir, bell choir and Presbyterian Women's Association. She loved gardening and growing flowers and shared this interest with others in her community through her beautiful flower gardens and dried flower arrangements at the church bazaars.  She enjoyed sewing and made clothing and many beautiful quilts for her family.

   Margaret was married to Edward Joseph Alberth on May 30, 1934, in Wheeling, West Virginia and he preceded her in death on December 18, 1973. 

   Margaret is survived by three sons, James Alberth of Lockport, NY and his wife Debbie of Sterling, VA; William Alberth and his wife Donna of Schaumburg, Illinois; Edward “Joe” and his wife Patricia of Tidioute.  Three daughters, Mary Grettenberger of Warren, PA; Virginia Edmiston and her husband Howard of Franklin, PA; Laura Alberth also of Warren. 

   Also surviving are seventeen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, nine great, great grandchildren and many other members in her large, extended family.

   In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by six brothers, Dennis (infant), Guy Francis, John "Tracy", James "Leo", Harold "Raymond", and Vincent McCloskey.  Five sisters, Florence McCloskey (infant), Grace King, Lois McCloskey, Dorothy Follett, and Catherine Christy.  A son-in-law, Roger Grettenberger and a niece, Helen Mutzabaugh.

   There will be no public visitation.  A Memorial Celebration of her long life will be held at the Tidioute Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 18, 2015 with Dennis L. Ledebur presiding.  The family will greet Margaret’s many friends in the Church prior to the service. Burial will be at Tidioute Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed to the Rouse Home 701 Rouse Ave. Youngsville, PA 16371, or the Tidioute Public Library, Main Street, Tidioute, PA16351.

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