Margaret Bittle

For Margaret family always came first. Even though she had 68 family members regularly getting her attention, she had the ability to make each one feel that they were her favorite. She credited her long life and independent lifestyle to the fact that she never “cursed, smoked or drank.” She had two addictions in life: ICE CREAM and the Jersey Shore, the results of her childhood growing up in Pleasantville. As a teen she made many a 15¢ trip to the beach, working in the window with her sister at Fralingers Salt Water Taffy. She was always proud of the fact that she once swam around the Million Dollar Pier. In her later years she enjoyed playing the slots. She had to have a window seat whenever she dined on the water. She was a terrific cook (especially her vegetable beef soup and potato salad) and she knew how to stretch a meal. Some family members were shocked to find out that chili wasn’t always served with spaghetti. She rooted for the Phils, Eagles and Flyers and sometimes needed a T.V. and a radio to keep track of all the games.rnAs a young woman she fell in love with the late Andrew. Their union was blessed with eight children: Pat McGraw, Andy (Connie), Peg Caltabiano (Cal), Kitty Reilly (Bill), Judy Holl, Colleen Sarica (Tony) and Bruce (Sue); 19 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Bennett of Mauricetown, sister-in-law, Harriet Steer of Sarasota and a large extended family. She was pre-deceased by her infant son, Eugene, a grandson, Andy Bittle, Jr., sons-in-law, Bob Holl and Andy McGraw, two brothers and one sister. Come celebrate 94 family centered years, Wed. 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. At 8 p.m. Wednesday please join us in sharing stories about her life. Service at noon Thursday. Interment Lake Park Cemetery.rn –