Margaret A. Harker

Youngstown - Margaret A. Harker, 91, passed away peacefully at Masternick Memorial the afternoon of February 25, 2025

Margaret (Peg) was born in Youngstown on July 21, 1933 to James and Vera Swisher. 

She married her beloved husband, Harry Harker, on August 20, 1955 at Delason Methodist Church in Youngstown. Together they raised three children, Mark, Beth, and Tim. 

Margaret graduated from South High School in Youngstown in 1951. After high school, she worked at Ohio Bell for five years until her son, Mark, was born. She was a wonderful, supportive mother to her children and was always willing to help her neighbors and those in her community. Shortly after her children were old enough for school, Margaret began working in the education field. For many years she taught nursery school at Lockwood United Methodist Church followed by several more years as a teacher’s aide for Boardman Local Schools. 

Peg and Harry were pillars of the church; first at Lockwood United Methodist and then at Mt. Olivet Church of Christ in North Lima. She accompanied her husband on several mission trips where they helped flood victims in the southern United States. 

 Margaret proudly enjoyed many activities with her children and grandchildren. She was also very active in the Boardman Band and Orchestra Parents where she enjoyed years of great friendships and activities. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Margaret leaves her sons, Mark Harker of Pahoa, Hawaii, and Tim Harker of Boardman; and daughter Beth Freedman of Boyton Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Aaron, Marissa, Ian, James, and Jackie; three great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Swisher; and many friends. 

A funeral service will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 at Mt. Olivet Church of Christ in North Lima with the family’s pastor, Tim Paroz. A calling hour will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m.

 Donations may be made in Margaret’s honor to Mt. Olivet Church of Christ or Akeso Hospice Care. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Davis-Becker Funeral Home, Boardman. 

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.