Margaret A. Handel Cretella

Margaret Ann Handel Cretella, age 73, of Shippensburg, passed Friday, April 1, 2016 at Elmcroft Assisted Living. She was born Tuesday, March 23, 1943 in Youngstown, OH, the daughter of the late George and Betty (Dennis) Handel. Peg graduated from Ursuline High School in Youngstown in 1961. She attended Youngstown State University. She married her husband Col. Joseph Cretella on April 16, 1966. She and her husband travelled worldwide for Joe's military career. Peg was a member of Our Lady of the Visitation, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus and past President of Kiwanis of Shippensburg. She was a very active volunteer with the American Red Cross, an advocate for Shippensburg Head Start Program, president of Erlangen, Germany Officers Wives Club and the PTA of the Department of Defense School in Erlangen. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Joseph G. Cretella. She is also survived by three daughters, Lisa E. and husband Dr. Fred Hayes, of Mason, OH, Michelle R. and husband William Bowers of Hampton, VA, Dawn M. and husband Christopher Cheers of Lebanon, OH, a grandson, Joseph Bowers, five granddaughters, Claire and Anna Hayes, Mikayla Bowers, Megan and Molly Cheers and a sister, Betty Jean Storey of West Chester. She was preceded in death by her brother, George "Buddy" Handel. Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 7 at Our Lady of the Visitation, 305 N. Prince Street, Shippensburg with Father Dwight Schlaline officiating. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Dugan Funeral Home Crematory, 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or Ursuline High School, 750 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44505.