Business relations, cancer charity held personal meaning for Norwin civic leader

Margaree Pertle was strong in her commitment to causes that benefited others, including the fight against cancer.

Pertle, who founded the Norwin Relay for Life 15 years ago, took part in the yearly fundraising walk around the Norwin Knights track in North Huntingdon to raise money for cancer research — even when she herself was battling the disease. Although in a wheelchair, she completed the most recent Norwin relay on June 1, part of an annual campaign that raised $83,000.

“She had a lot of stamina and love for the relay,” said Nikki Palm, who chairs the event, filling a role once held by Pertle. “She participated every year, regardless of her diagnosis. Because of her, every year we’ve met our fundraising goal.”

Margaree Pertle, 74, of Harrison City, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, surrounded by her family, following a three-year battle with breast cancer. Born June 1, 1945, in Cumberland, Md., she was a daughter of the late Frederick Fochtman and Margaret Koon Fochtman.

Mrs. Pertle, who survived a previous breast cancer diagnosis, worked for 23 years for the Pittsburgh accounting firm Schneider Downs and later launched her own business ventures in the Irwin area. She operated a Liberty Tax franchise and Emerald Business Group, helping small businesses manage their finances.

A past executive director and president of the Norwin Chamber of Commerce, she also belonged to the local Women’s Business Network and Rotary club.

Mrs. Pertle brought a personal touch to her business and civic relationships, according to niece Cindy Hartman, of Severn, Md.

“There were no strangers in my aunt’s life,” Hartman said. “She was very welcoming and enthusiastic.

“Before she’d get down to business, she’d want to get to know about your family and how you were doing. She struck up a conversation with somebody and, before you know it, she’d know their life story.”

Mrs. Pertle was honored as a cancer survivor speaker at the 2018 Norwin Relay for Life. Her own team that participated in the relay held annual golf outings and contributed more than $12,000 in a single year toward the local fundraising goal.

“She would pull people from all over for the outing,” said Palm. “We say that every person is one degree away from knowing somebody with cancer or going through a cancer diagnosis themselves. Margaree was everybody’s one degree.

“If it wasn’t for her spearheading it, Relay For Life would not have had the support we’ve had from our community.”

Serious about charitable causes, Mrs. Pertle for several years chaired the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, benefiting autism research.

She also loved to have fun, enjoying country-western dancing and participating in activities of the local chapter of the Red Hat Society. She excelled at planning holiday parties, including baking cookies and pumpkin rolls.

“She was always upbeat and happy to see people,” Hartman said. “She was an amazing force of life.”

Mrs. Pertle is survived by her husband of 28 years, David D. Pertle; her children, Michele Shandor (Karl) and Richard J. Prince Jr. (Missy); her stepchildren, David Pertle (Tamitha), Derrick Pertle and Brandy Froeliech; seven grandchildren; and four siblings.

Parting prayers will be held at 9:20 a.m. Thursday in the Ott Funeral Home, 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin. followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Interment will follow in Irwin Union Cemetery, North Huntingdon.

Memorial donations may be made to Norwin Relay for Life.