Margaret L. (Howells) Bernhard, 77, of Shenandoah Heights, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street.

Born in Turkey Run, Shenandoah, on Sept. 14, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Ben and Anna (Millichap) Howells.

She was class salutatorian and a 1958 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.

Prior to her retirement, Margaret was employed for 35 years at Ateeco Inc., Mrs. T's Pierogies, Shenandoah, where she was the office manager.

On July 11, 1959, in the former First Baptist Church, Shenandoah, she married Ronald Bernhard, who survives.

Margaret was a devout and active member of the former First Baptist Church, Shenandoah. In the church, she was a member of the Ladies' Missionary and a former Sunday school teacher. She participated in the annual Shenandoah Heritage Days, having portrayed her Welsh ancestry. Currently, she attended the Kulp United Methodist Church, Catawissa.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were two sisters, Edith Sinkiewicz and Harriette Shafer; a nephew, Thomas Shafer.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 58 years, Ronald Bernhard, are a son, Dr. Ronald G. Bernhard and his wife, Lisa, Catawissa; a daughter, Nancy Kantor, Schnecksville; six grandchildren, Casey, Colt, Colby and Cage Bernhard, Kayla Masullo and her husband, Alex, and Thomas Toborowski and his fiancee, Karlena Price; a brother, the Rev. Thomas Howells and his wife, Jean, Springfield, Mass.; a sister, Lois Houser, Ashland; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Religious services for family and close friends will be held at noon Monday at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Pastor Adam Miller of the Kulp United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. Family and close friends are invited to attend a viewing from 10 a.m. until noon Monday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy will be accepted at the funeral home and can be made to the Kulp United Methodist Church, 1395 Old Reading Road, Catawissa, PA 17820.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.