Margaret Ann Beard, 88, of Myerstown, PA, formerly of Cornwall, PA, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Stone Ridge Poplar Run. She was married to the late John C. Beard Sr. for 65 years.
Born in Lebanon, PA, on Dec. 3, 1937, Margaret was a daughter of the late Frank and Ruth (Arnold) Bahsteter. A graduate of Lebanon Catholic High School, Margaret was a secretary at Lebanon School District and Lebanon Catholic High School and retired from Harris Savings.
Margaret enjoyed her flower gardens, reading, and knitting. She enjoyed playing pinochle and was a longtime card club member. She was active in the Council of Catholic Women at Assumption BVM/St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Diocese of Harrisburg. In retirement, Margaret and John enjoyed traveling and camping in their RV across the U.S. and Canada, as well as taking international trips.
Margaret is survived by her children, Suzanne Bailor, wife of Ronald, of Lebanon, John C. Beard Jr., husband of Yvonne “Angel,” of Warrenton VA, Linda Young, wife of Robert, of Conestoga, Roxanne Norris, wife of Gregory, of Lebanon, and Timothy Beard, husband of Tamara, of Lebanon; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Joseph Bahsteter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank and Robert Bahsteter; and sisters, Mary Tobias and Genevieve Brown.
Margaret’s family would like to thank the skilled nursing staff at Stoneridge Poplar Run, the staff of Caring Hospice Services, and Father Hereshko at Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church for their care and compassion during Margaret’s final days.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Mary Gate of Heaven Church, 188 W. McKinnley Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Viewing hours will be held prior to Mass from 10-11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s name may be made to Mary Gate of Heaven at the above address. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
