Sponsored Sponsored content Margaret Eva (Shaffer) Wachter Pendergrass, of East Allen Twp. (Obituary Brought to You by Heintzelman Funeral Home)

Margaret Eva (Shaffer) Wachter Pendergrass (1939 – 2026)

Margaret Eva (Shaffer) Wachter Pendergrass, of East Allen Township, was welcomed into Heaven and into the loving arms of Jesus on March 11, 2026. Margaret was born and raised in Waynesboro, Pa., the daughter of the late Eva L. Shaffer and Raymond R. Shaffer. She grew up alongside her siblings, the late Raymond Shaffer and her sister Donna Bercaw of Waynesboro. Margaret first found love with Stewart N. Wachter Sr., with whom she welcomed two cherished children: Elaine A. Snyder (Marvin) of Bath, Pa., and Stewart N. Wachter Jr. (Denise) of Seaford, Del. When Stewart Sr. passed away unexpectedly in 1968, Margaret faced the unimaginable challenge of raising two young children on her own. Life later brought her a second chance at love when she met Archie Pendergrass, a sweet southern gentleman who captured her heart and loved her children as his own. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, companionship and devotion until Archie’s heartbreaking passing in 2007. Margaret’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was endlessly proud of her children and delighted in speaking about her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Grandmom” or “Grandmom Peg.” Margaret faithfully served the Northampton Area School District for 39 years, working in both the Nurse’s Office and the Attendance Office before retiring in 2007. Margaret took great pride in her home; especially her yard and gardens. She enjoyed taking casino trips with friends, listening to classic country music and spending time with those she loved most. Over the years Margaret made many dear friends, but none as special as her beloved neighbor and best friend, Joanne Hamm. For 59 years, the two shared life side-by-side, celebrating family milestones, shopping and dining out together, and simply sitting outside on warm summer evenings enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company. Their friendship was a rare and beautiful bond that stood the test of time.

SURVIVORS

She leaves behind her grandchildren: Kristen Buczynski (Kris Russo) of Upper Saucon Township, Joshua Buczynski (Kimberly) of Royersford, Maj. Katrina Wachter, U.S. Army, stationed in Seoul, Korea, and Nicholas Wachter (Brian) of South Jordan, Utah. She was also blessed with four cherished great-grandchildren: Bradley Buczynski (Joshua), Nathan Naprava (Kristen), Meadow Baran (Joshua) and Jayson Russo (Kristen). Margaret also shared a very special bond with her nieces, nephews and cousins, maintaining relationships that meant so much to her throughout her life. Toward the end of her health journey, Margaret fought with incredible strength to remain with those she loved, not quite ready to leave this world behind. While her family’s hearts are heavy with loss, they take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her two great loves, her precious mother, and her loyal four-legged companion, Rilee.

SERVICES

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The family has entrusted Heintzelman Funeral Home in Hellertown to handle Margaret’s arrangements.

CONTRIBUTIONS

For those wishing to honor Margaret’s memory, the family kindly asks that contributions be made to St. Luke’s VNA Hospice, whose compassionate nurses and caregivers stood beside Margaret and her family every step of the way during her final days. Donations may also be made in Margaret’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization dedicated to eradicating veteran homelessness and ensuring America never forgets Sept. 11, 2001–a date that held special meaning for Margaret, who was born on Sept. 11, 1939.