Margaret Goodman

Margaret J. “Peggy” Goodman, 83, of Altoona, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025, at UPMC Altoona. Born in Altoona, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Margaret (Beals) Grove. Peggy married A. Raymond Goodman on June 27, 1964, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Altoona. He preceded her in death on May 16, 2013, after 48 years of marriage.

She is survived by her son, Erik Goodman (Dorothee) of Altoona, her two daughters, Erin Collot (Laurent) of Oakland, Florida, and Jennifer Slusser (Lee) of Altoona; and five grandchildren, Alexandre, Adrien, and Manon Collot of Oakland, Florida, and Andrea and Jonathan Slusser of Altoona.

Peggy was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Stout, and her brother, Gene Grove.

A 1959 graduate of Altoona High School, Peggy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Juniata College in 1963. She continued her education, obtaining a Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in Biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1971. Her professional life concentrated on education, including roles as a biology professor at Penn State Altoona and as a biology teacher for the Altoona and Spring Cove School Districts. Focusing on historical education and interpretation, Peggy retired from Blair County as the Director of Fort Roberdeau after 30 years.

She was a dedicated member of the Blair County Historical Society, where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the society and for her work with the Royer Mansion Committee. She also held memberships in the Audubon Society, the Rails to Trails Board, and the Women’s Club of Altoona.

Peggy found joy in reading, birdwatching, botany, genealogy, history, and, above all, spending time with her beloved family and friends.

Friends will be received from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, June 16, 2025, at The Good Funeral Home, 108 Alto Reste Park, Altoona, PA 16601 where a funeral service will follow at 7 pm. A private interment will be held at Alto Reste Park, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rails to Trails, P.O. Box 592, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.