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Pittsburgh: 412-787-1800 | Peters Township: 724-260-5546

Margaret L. Mitchell

  • On July 27, 2026
  • 3 Comments

Margaret Lorraine Mitchell, 13 July 1944 – 26 July 2026

With strength and peace, Margaret Mitchell took her last breath on Sunday, 26 July 2026.  Predeceased by her parents, Mary and Joseph Jeglinski; her brothers, Charles and Joseph; and two husbands, Eugene Sally and John James Mitchell.

Her determination and competence helped her through both the loss of her first husband, Eugene, when she was in her 20s, and the full-time care she gave to her second husband, Jim, after he was paralyzed by a stroke. They then propelled her to work full-time while pursuing her nursing degrees (RN and BSN) in her early 40s. She worked as a nurse in hospitals, penitentiaries, and mental health institutions. She faced many situations where none of the options were great ones, and always did the best she could.

She leaves a blended family, including stepchildren C. Louise Mitchell, Jennifer Mitchell, and Elizabeth Mitchell; and children Carolyn McDaniel, Michael Sally, Eugene (Tammi) Sally, and Heather (Jonathan) Powers. Grandchildren include Eleanor Sally, Benjamin Sally, Adam Sally, Gabrielle (James) Pitts, Alyssa Sally, Mitchell Powers, and William Powers. And one great-grandchild, Madeline Mae Pitts. Special mention of beloved friends and neighbors, Gary and Patty Finnerty.

Her last week included reconciliation with loved ones and spending time with friends and family she hadn’t seen in decades. Intensely practical and wryly funny, when faced with the prospect of imminent death, she raised a hand, waved, and said to anyone and no one, “Goodbye!”

If you cared about Margaret, you are encouraged to make a charitable gift or do a good act in her memory. She would want you to conjure some of her fierce independence and choose a cause that you love, and give a thought or say a prayer for her. Family in Montreal will host a private memorial service.

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3 Comments

Jonathan P.
Already miss you so much, Marge. <3
Gary F
Heather and family, my sincerest condolences. Patty and I loved Marge. We were blessed to have her as our neighbor. Fond memories and laughs. We helped each other thru grief and shared in joy. I will miss Marge. Marge and Patty will now enjoy that porch in heaven.
Anonymous
Rest in peace. But… The truth is… Her life was led by hardship and bad decisions. She held onto grudges and, by her own choosing, cut off relationships with several of her children and with her own mother. Her mother was the one who was always there in the tough times, especially when her first husband passed unexpectedly, and the second husband felt ill. Her mother was so sad, because Margaret would not make it right even though she tried. She turned away numerous attempts at reconciliation and severed communication with her brothers, Joseph and Charles Jeglinski, as well as numerous other family members who tried to help her through difficult times. Throughout those years, Heather remained the one child with whom she chose to keep a close and enduring relationship. She never had a relationship with some of her grandchildren and never acknowledged her great grandchild. Truly sad. In her final days, there was at least one moment of reconciliation that brought a measure of peace to some of those relationships. She leaves behind family members who will remember the challenges that shaped her life and disappointment since Margaret was a very intelligent person but her stubbornness got in the way. Her passing marks the end of a complicated chapter and offers an opportunity for those who remain to choose healing, forgiveness where possible, and a different path for future generations.
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