Margaret Smith

Margaret J. "Peggy" Smith, 79, of Reading, passed away April 18, 2009 at 5:24 AM in Reading Hospital & Medical Center where she was a patient since April 8th. She was the wife of Charles E. Smith who passed away April 9th. Born in Reading on December 20, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Harry A. and Irene A. (Schmehl) Rickenbach.

Mrs. Smith was a 1947 graduate of Reading High School and graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene from Temple University in 1949. She was employed for 18 years as a dental hygienist by the Schuylkill Valley and Hamburg School Districts retiring in 1992. She was later employed in the office of Dr. Dale Gaul for 10 years until retiring in 2002.

Peggy was an active member of Alsace Lutheran Church for many years, where she served on the board of the Alsace Lutheran Senior Club, was a member of the Alsace Couples Class, and was a past member of the Alsace Bell Choir. She also was the past president of the PA Dental Hygienist Association and was a member of local, state and national Hygienist Associations.

Surviving are a son Mark C. husband of Sharon L. Smith of Reading, a daughter Marcia A. (Smith) wife of Jon J. Murphy of Exeter Twp., 4 grandchildren Dean A. Smith, Derek C. Smith, Katelyn J. Murphy and Erin R. Murphy. She was predeceased by a son Rick A. Smith in 1999. Rick was the husband of Vicki Rothenberger of Muhlenberg Twp., she was also predeceased by a sister Anna May (Rickenbach) Young on February 14th.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605.