Margaret Dawedeit

Margaret Dawedeit, former Pastor of the Peru Congregational Church, Peru, Vermont, passed away on July 20, 2022, in Silver Spring, Maryland where she had been living for the past year, while being cared for by the loving staff at Arden Courts.

As Pastor of the Peru Congregational Church, Margaret - “the barefoot minister” - was especially known for her compassion to her diverse flock. During her ministry, the Church grew in attendance and popularity. Each week, people came from throughout Southern Vermont to hear her thought-provoking sermons and songs of praise. Friends and relatives visited frequently from throughout the U.S. Traveling mercies and prayers were dispensed to all - those that visited and those who were in her heart and in the prayers of the congregation. Christmas Eve Service at the Peru Church was legendary.

Her most notable service was to the sick, dying, and mourning. She ministered to their every need with utmost compassion and warm heartfelt hugs. Her funeral services were notable throughout Vermont.

After Pastor Margaret left the Church, she continued God’s work in any way she saw possible, ministering to those in need throughout the community - at the food pantry, the thrift shop, the Londonderry transfer station, and the local gas station.

Prior to her appointment at Peru Church, Margaret had a multifaceted career and life. She was well-known as the singing bartender at the Quality Restaurant in Manchester, where she regaled everyone with her booming soprano voice belting out show tunes and Patsy Cline hits alike. President’s Day weekend and St. Patrick’s Day in Manchester were never complete without a stop by the Quality Restaurant.

Margaret held many other jobs locally---including at Ye Olde Tavern and as a professional art framer. She was a Cantor of the Conversion of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Manchester where she had many friends.

Margaret is survived by her siblings, Mary Ann Dawedeit, Frank Dawedeit, Susan Smichenko, Pauline Liacouras Marie Maurer, John Dawedeit, Chrissy Sands, Ora Dawedeit and her many nieces and nephews- Eric, Eli and Ezra Lewis, Frank, Michael, Connor and Olivia Dawedeit, Peter and Tess Smichenko, George Liacouras, Madeline, Emily and Ben Maurer, Jordan and Bailey Dawedeit, Marissa and Nia Marie Sands, and Joaquin and Henrik Moen.

Services will be held privately in Maryland.  A public celebration of her life will be held in Vermont at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in her name to the Alzheimer's Association.

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