Dr. Margaret “Peg” McFadien

Our loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Dr. Margaret “Peg” McFadien, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2022. Peg was born on November 19, 1944 in Passaic, New Jersey, to Flora and Robert McFadien. She grew up in the small town of Oxford, PA, along with her three brothers, Robert Jr., Hayes, and Tom. Peg was an ambitious child; active in Girl Scouts, the school band, student government, and served as a summer counselor. She graduated with honors from Oxford Area High School in 1962. She went on to attend Dickinson College where she obtained her B.S. in Biology in 1966, and West Chester University where she completed her M.S. in 1968. Peg married William “Bill” Carter, after meeting him while he did electrical work outside her apartment window. One day she invited him in through the window for coffee, and their connection blossomed into a rich and beautiful love story - one that Peg loved to tell! Together, they had three children: Becky, Christopher and Andrew. Bill passed during the children's youth, yet Peg persevered, and poured everything into raising the kids, showing them endless love and support. She taught them to imagine and explore, be honest and empathetic, and to never stop dreaming. Peg was a natural academic, a lover of science and the sea, leading her to earn a PhD in Marine Sciences from the University of Delaware in 1983. She then pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, focusing on wetlands and conservation. Peg was a passionate educator, and believed in creating an environment where students could excel in their strengths and feel engaged. She delighted in watching students learn and realize their full potential. Peg taught at several universities and colleges in her prime; including the University of Delaware, West Chester University, Lincoln University, Harcum College and Ohio University. Her true passion emerged in the work of developing an Environmental Sciences program for Chestnut Hill College. There, she was able to bring her love of naturalism to students who primarily experienced urban life in Philadelphia. In 1998, Peg followed her heart to Bellingham, Washington, where she worked as a grant writer for the Nooksack Indian Tribe until retirement. During her time with Nooksack, she was able to leverage more than three million dollars in funds to help the tribe continue their work in community and educational programs. Peg also served as a deacon with the Episcopal Church, and was involved in her community as a Master Gardener. In retirement, Peg found some of her deepest self expression as a prolific poet. Peg was strong-willed, independent, and determined, despite her self-deprecating humor. She was kind and sincere, and loved making a difference in the lives of people and animals. She enjoyed her Starbucks coffee, peanut butter, poetry, fostering dogs and the show The West Wing. She loved the Pacific Northwest, and cherished her friends, quietude, gardening and writing. Peg was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her brothers Bobby and Hayes McFadien. She is survived by her brother, Tom McFadien, her three children, and four grandchildren. We love you, Mom. You are dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Unable are the Loved to die, For Love is Immortality ~ Emily Dickinson