Margaret Dewart Hoerner

Margaret Dewart Hoerner, 94, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, shortly after hearing her daughter-in-law read Psalm 23 to her. Known as Peg, she was born on May 18, 1931 in Batavia, NY. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. Edward Dewart. She was married to the late Dr. George M. Hoerner, Jr. for 43 years until his death in August of 2000. Peg dedicated her life to her Lord, her family, her profession and many prayer and mission projects.

She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem (PA) and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster at the time of her death. Peg was ordained as both an elder and a deacon in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Her favorite ministries were small group fellowship, women's Bible studies and healing prayer groups.

Peg's profession was nursing. She graduated from SUNY - Plattsburgh in 1952 and worked as a school nurse in several school districts in western New York state until her marriage in 1957. While her children were growing up, she taught Sunday School, served as Camp Nurse at Camp Brainerd in the Poconos, and did substitute teaching in the local school district.

Peg returned to full-time school nursing in 1979 at the Phillipsburg (NJ) Middle School. She had a leadership role in the development of that school district's alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs. She retired in 1992.

Peg was active member of the Lafayette College community for almost forty years while her husband was a faculty member. She loved hosting an annual picnic for her husband's students each fall and she served as president of the Adrienne Club (faculty spouses) for several years.

Peg and George moved to Willow Valley Retirement Community in Lancaster, PA in 1997 and quickly developed a wonderful group of friends, of which she was the last surviving member. She served as chair of the Dining Committee at Willow Valley for several years, a role that in and of itself qualifies Peg for sainthood! She adored the Willow Valley staff and they adored her. Her family is very thankful for the loving care provided by The Glen 5NW team during the past five years.

Peg was a loving mother to her two children and wonderful grandmother to her three grandchildren. She was an abiding and encouraging presence at her grandchildren's swim meets, soccer games, lacrosse games, rowing regattas and quiz bowl matches. More recently, she enjoyed hugging her four great grandchildren and sneaking candy to them.

Survivors include a son, Eric (Margot) Hoerner of Lititz, PA; a daughter, Nancy Hoerner of Wayne, PA; sister Martha (Larry) Stokoe, of Scottsville, NY; grandchildren Cameron (Emily) Hoerner, Elizabeth (John) Powers and Margaret (Silas) Finnegan; and great grandchildren Margaret Powers, Anna Powers, Cecilia Hoerner and Miles Finnegan. She is also survived by her grand dogs Dolly and Max.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was pre-deceased by her brother John M. Dewart and his wife Joyce.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 11 a.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. The family will receive visitors from 10 am to 11 am. Donations in memory of Peg may be made to the Prayer Team at First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster (PA) or the Highland Presbyterian Church Building Fund.