Margaret Walson

Margaret Walson, formerly of Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, and co-founder of Service Electric Cable Television passed away in the Lord at her home in Boca Rotan, Florida on September 17, 2014. May her memory be eternal. Mrs. Walson and her late husband John are recognized as the founders of the cable television industry.

Margaret Walson was born Margaret Kowatch, in Hazlebrook, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. She attended elementary school at West Mahanoy Township School and graduated high school from Barrington High School, in New Jersey. She was an active member of Saint Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City, PA, and later, Saint Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church in Allentown, PA.

Margaret and John were married while he was a lineman working for PP&L Electric. Together, they opened an appliance store in the mid-forties and sold stoves, refrigerators and all types of furnishings for a home. Margaret operated the store during the day while John worked as a PP&L lineman. When television sets became available in the forties, John developed a cable television system as a way to market and sell sets in areas with poor off-air reception. Eventually they closed their appliance store and cable television became the primary family business.

Margaret remained an integral part of Service Electric. She assisted her husband as his personal secretary and advisor. Margaret played an important role in the growth and development of the business. Following his death in 1993, Margaret continued her active role as a senior executive of the corporation and an advisor to her children.

Margaret always had a keen eye for practical architecture and interior decoration. Many of the properties used in the business today have her ideas incorporated in the design and construction. Margaret also loved to travel, sing, dance and spend time with her family. She was a true philanthropist who enjoyed giving more than receiving.

For her many accomplishments in the cable television industry, Margaret was the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree from Muhlenberg.

Surviving, are her daughter, Rosalie Walson Walter and her husband, Hoyt Walter of Allentown; son, Edward of Florida; daughter-in-law, Gloria Walson of Allentown; sister-in-law, Helen Kowatch of Allentown; grandchildren, John Walson, husband of Michal, Michelle, wife of Jeffrey Kuykendall, Natalie, wife of Scott Young, Mark Walter, husband of Rebecca, Elena, wife of Justin Romano; great-grandchildren, Nolan, Luke, Ainsley, Reese, Cassidy, Macey, Charlotte, John and James.

She was preceded in death by two sons: Paul and John, Jr.

Services: A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 24th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Weber Funeral Home, 1619 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA. On Thursday, September 25th at 10:30 a.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church of Allentown; The Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena of Allentown; St. Thomas More Catholic Church of Allentown; St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church of Orefield; Mercy Special Learning Center of Allentown.