Margaret J. "Peggy" Hylan

Margaret J. Hylan, known affectionately as Peggy, age 87, of Flemington, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Complete Care at Holmdel assisted living facility in Holmdel, NJ.

Born in Trenton, NJ, on April 12, 1938, Peggy was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Hylan. A lifelong resident of Flemington, she graduated from Flemington High School in 1956 and later earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey).Peggy dedicated her career to public service as a long-time employee of the New Jersey Department of Human Services in the Medicaid Department, retiring in 2000. She was also deeply committed to her community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels of Hunterdon, the Briteside Adult Care Center in Flemington, and as a mediator for VICINGE, a mediation service serving Hunterdon, Warren, and Somerset counties.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Ann Hylan, who passed away in 1997.

Surviving are her two daughters and sons-in-law, Sara Hylan and Scott Schwadron of Colts Neck, NJ, and Elizabeth and Al Meyers of Atlanta, GA; as well as four grandchildren: Serena Schwadron, Parker Schwadron, Hanna Meyers, and Max Meyers.

Peggy’s sharp wit remained bright and unmatched until the very end—her mind stayed remarkably clear and quick, even through life’s toughest challenges. Friends and family will always remember her quiet, steady generosity, the genuine warmth she brought to every relationship, her boundless kindness, and her deep, lifelong love for animals. Over the years, she cherished and cared for 15 beloved pets, each one bringing her immense joy and companionship.

Yet her greatest achievement, and the legacy she held most dear, was her extraordinary courage as a single mother. In 1976, she adopted and raised two daughters from Korea—a bold, pioneering decision that demanded remarkable determination and an open heart. At that time, it was rare and often actively discouraged for a single woman to adopt, especially internationally, but Peggy followed her conviction with unwavering resolve.

While nurturing her two girls, she returned to school as a non-traditional student, pursuing and completing her degrees in social work. This reflected her lifelong dedication to personal growth, service, and helping others. Her daughters remain her proudest accomplishment and most enduring legacy.

Peggy was a true trailblazer who proved that family is built on devotion rather than convention. She will be deeply missed.

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Interment in the family plot at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Capner Street, Flemington, NJ will be private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Hunterdon, 5 Walter E Foran Blvd STE 2006, Flemington, NJ 08822 or St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave, Madison, NJ 07940.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.