Margaret C. Burkhart, 95, of Avella, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Donnell House, Washington, with her family by her side.She was born on August 11, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA,

Margaret C. Burkhart, 95, of Avella, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Donnell House, Washington, with her family by her side.She was born on August 11, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of the late Joseph Frazer Capes and Sophie Virginia Boyle Capes.Margaret was a 1948 graduate of Crafton High School and was a member of St. Philip Catholic church in Crafton, where she married Gilbert Blair Burkhart Jr. on September 27, 1952.Margaret and Gilbert welcomed seven children and as their family grew, they relocated to Avella in 1969. She was a strong and hardworking woman; while raising the children, she also milked cows on the family farm and was affectionately known to many as “Granny”.Margaret was a devout Catholic and dedicated her life to raising her family in the church. She was a member of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish (St. Michael Church of Avella) and taught faith formation classes.She loved to garden, sew, quilt and bake. Over the years, she had made many hand-stitched quilts for her children, grandchildren and several charities. She was known for her delicious pie crust and cinnamon rolls. There was never a dull moment with Margaret; her quick wit, kindness and compassion was always on full display.Surviving Mrs. Burkhart are her children, Blair (Melinda) Burkart, Karen (Tom) Birdsall, Patty (Bob) Lucas, Sandy (Albert “Buzz”) Haught and Gil (Somo “O”) Burkhart; son-in-law, John Eskay; 14 grandchildren, Michael (Chelsey), Krista (Matt), Blair Jr., Joshua (Brittany), Nick (Kayla), Edith, Patrick (Becca), Brian (Samantha), Marsha (Cyril), Robert (Paula), Rick (Maria), Caitlin, Erica and Natchaya; and 22 great grandchildren, Gavin, Ella, Cora, Sawyer, Reagan, Kayla, Wyatt, Tatiana, Isabella, Adelyn, Tucker, Conner, Madelyn, Alayna, Cyril, Austin, Tyler, Lane, Rowan, Bhodie, Nicole and Logan.Preceding her in death in addition to her parents and her husband Gilbert, who passed away on August 6, 1997, are two daughters, Janet Burkhart and Barb Eskay; two grandsons, Danny (Kayleigh) Lucas and Christopher (Tiffany) Haught; two brothers, Joe and Frank Capes; and three sisters, Evie Reiner, Emma Reiner and Virginia Harshman.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in St. Michael Church, 97 Highland Avenue, Avella, with Rev. Harry Bielewicz officiating. Everyone is kindly asked to meet at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Isidore the Farmer Parish (specify to be used in St. Michael Church) and the Avella Volunteer Fire Department.Burial will be in Independence Cemetery, Avella.All funeral arrangements are being handled by Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., Avella.Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.