Margaret (Peggy, Granny) Koehler, 78, from Vernon, peacefully entered into eternal rest on April 24, after a prolonged illness. Peggy was born in Manchester, CT, to Benjamin and Catherine Balon. She grew up in the North End of Manchester, and moved to Vernon where she lived her entire adult life. Peggy graduated with honors from Manchester High School, and from Manchester Community College in 1977, while holding a full-time job and raising four children. She was a parishioner of St. Bernard Church, Rockville. After retiring from Manchester Memorial Hospital with more than 30 years of service, Peggy spent countless hours volunteering for Visiting Nurses, Hospice, and Manchester Historical Society. She was a voracious reader and an avid quilter. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, but what was most precious in her life were her four grandchildren.

Peggy is survived by her children, Dr. Catherine Koehler of Manchester; Donna Koehler and her husband, Kelly Shine, of Manchester; Jackie Thompson and her husband, Michael, of Tolland; and Daniel Koehler, and his wife, Lori, of Willington; and her four grandchildren, Jake Koehler, Elliott Thompson, Kylei Koehler, and Fisher Thompson. She also leaves behind two brothers and a sister: Dave Balon and his wife, Ruth; Bernie Balon and his wife, Annie; and Betty Niemczyk, and her husband, Richie. She was predeceased by her parents. Peggy’s family will receive friends for calling hours at Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, on Sunday, April 29, 2018 from noon to 3:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Vernon on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 10 a.m.(please meet at church) Margaret will be buried at St. James Cemetery, Manchester, at the request of the family, burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers should friends desire, donations may be made in Peggy’s name to Manchester Historical Society, 126 Cedar St, Manchester, CT 06040. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com

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