Margaret M Hill

Margaret Marie Hill, a radiant soul whose warmth and grace illuminated the lives of all who knew her, passed away peacefully in Ocala, Florida. Born in 1933 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to John Sumner Sweeney Hill, Sr. and Emma Dora (Wilson) Hill, Margaret's extraordinary life was a beautiful tapestry of perseverance, service, faith, and unbreakable family bonds.

Raised in a loving working-class home at 432 North Street, she embraced the values of hard work and integrity from her parents, shaping her into a woman of profound character. Preceded in death by sisters Elizabeth Ann "Betty Ann" (Hill) Boyer and Adele (Hill) Reed, brothers John S.S. Hill, Jr., Charles Hill, and cherished granddaughter Monique (Hill) Gray, she is lovingly survived by her sister Doris (Hill) Johnson.

In her vibrant youth, Margaret thrived at the Crispus Attucks Recreation Center, mastering basketball, arts, sewing, glee club, volunteering, Girl Scouts, and even reporting for the center's news. She marched with pride in the Conestoga Lodge's Drum and Bugle Corps, contributing to their state competition triumphs that filled her heart with joy.

A standout graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School in the top third of her class-one of four Black graduates-she excelled in commercial studies, office administration, and bookkeeping. Margaret pioneered as Lancaster's first Black office secretary at Miller Junk and Water Company, then devoted 46 fulfilling years at RCA in factory and industrial roles, her steady reliability and warm adaptability earning her endless admiration.

Her deep faith anchored her as a lifelong member of Bethel AME Church, where she sang soulfully in the choirs, supported the Women's Auxiliary, served faithfully as the minister's secretary, co-created the first printed bulletin with her sister, and extended outreach across the Harrisburg district.

Margaret's loving legacy endures through daughter Monica Marie (Hill) Stewart (Brent); grandchildren Paula (Hill) Raines (Don), Brent A. Stewart Jr. (PhD) (Jay), and Desmond D. Stewart; countless great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of nieces and nephews. She gifted us her timeless credo: remain respectful to everyone, help others whenever possible, save for that rainy day to breathe easy in retirement, and always keep love in your heart.

A visitation to celebrate her life will be held on March 11 at 6 pm at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA. A graveside service will follow on March 12 at 1:00 PM at Mellinger Cemetery, 1918 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Bridgewater Park in Ocala, Florida, Hospice of Marion County, and to Toia and Greg Barton for the loving care and support they so kindly provided to Margaret in her later years.