Margaret A Jones

Margaret “Peg” Bitner-Jones, age 71, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Dana, sister and brother-in-law, Patti Bitner-Valenta (Tony/Tonster), her nephew Ryan Rees, who was the light in her life (As he liked to say “My Cool Aunt Peg”), sister-in-law and brother-in-law Tammy and Kurt Kunsman, and many cousins in the Bitner, Cuillerier, Huston and Savage families. She was predeceased and is now reunited with her parents, Rita and Don, mother-in-law Lu Jones, Auntie Jeanne, Uncle Roland, Uncle Bunk and Aunt Ellie, and grandparents, Blanche Bitner, Roza and Rosa Alma Cuillerier.

Nicknamed “Punk” by her beloved father, Peg grew up in a loving home on the Northside of Binghamton. Summers were spent and many memories made with her family at Sylvan Beach/Oneida Lake; especially fishing with Ryan at the pond and the canal. Good times were had with her sister Patti along with many friends at Northside Pool, State Bowling Center, State Street Park, St. Paul’s Church and playing hoops in the driveway. Don always smiled when watching his girls play the game. She was a cheerleader for the St. Paul’s Varsity Eagles that won the CYO Championship in 1970. Peg wasn’t blessed with height, but she was a dynamo on the court.

Peg graduated from Binghamton North High School, Class of 1972. She enjoyed playing basketball, softball, kayaking, flying kites, bowling and golf. Motorcycle rides and four-wheeling with Dana were a joy as was watching NASCAR together on Sunday afternoons. She cheered for the NY Yankees and NY Giants. Peg was one of the original cheerleaders for the Teddy’s Invitational Basketball Tournament, and in later years participated in both the Teddy’s May and Ladies Captain & Crew Golf Tournaments. Golf was her passion as she played in leagues at Ford Hill, with many friends at courses around the area and with her nephew Ryan.

For a time, Peg and her Mother were the dynamic duo as waitresses at The Villa in Vestal. Their service was exceptional while enjoying the comradery with their co-workers and long-time customers. Peg had a fulfilling and fun career with United Methodist Homes. Several co-workers became best friends. After retiring, she volunteered at Mercy House working in their kitchen. She also helped several families with elder care and companionship for their parent.

Peg was Peg. Her smile would light up a room. Peg felt blessed to have many special friends in her life. She loved us and we loved her. We all have a funny story or memory of our time with her to provide comfort and peace. Our thanks to the dedicated, compassionate staff and volunteers at Mercy House of the Southern Tier. They took wonderful care of Peg and her family. As Peg’s journey here on earth has ended, may the angels welcome her to paradise.

Per her request, there are no services. She will be buried near her Mom and Dad at Calvary Cemetery. Please consider a donation in Peg’s memory to the Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760 or visit mercyhousesoutherntier.com.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day…unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.” – Anonymous

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