Margaret "Peg" Paterson Becker, Ph.D.

Margaret “Peg” Paterson Becker, Ph.D., psychologist and professor passed away quietly at age 92 on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Verona, PA, at Longwood at Oakmont retirement community.  Peg, formerly of Fox Chapel, was born Margaret Louise Paterson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 12, 1930. She attended University High School, an on-campus laboratory school at the University of Minnesota, where her father Donald G. Paterson was a psychology professor. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and was a life-long supporter of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

She met fellow student Robert C. Becker at the University and married him in 1952.  Peg attended graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a Master’s Degree in Education in 1966 and a Ph.D. Degree in Counselor Education in 1970. She founded Psychological Associates, Inc., which grew into a leading psychological counseling and consulting firm in the North Hills area. She served as President of the company and saw clients into her 80s, until selling the company. Peg also served for many years as a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh.  Peg was a role model and confidante for her children and grandchildren. She and her husband Bob loved to entertain family and friends, hosting theme parties and extensive Thanksgiving meals.

She was a member and Stephen Minister of Christ Church, Fox Chapel, formerly Fox Chapel Episcopal Church. She was an avid golf and tennis player and a member of the Wildwood Golf Club and Duquesne Club. After moving to Longwood at Oakmont in 2011, she continued playing bridge and enjoyed visits from colleagues, friends, and family. 

Peg is survived by three children, William (Mary), Thomas (Vicki), and Nancy (Thomas) Vonderhaar; eight grandchildren, William (Gina), Robert (Kristina), and John (Haley) Becker; Katherine (Michael), Robert, Elizabeth (Geoff), Margaret and Anna Vonderhaar; and six great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Lilly Becker, Emerson and Andie Becker, Addison Becker, and Cora Johnson.  Peg was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert C. Becker, her brother Philip Y. Paterson, and her grandson Benjamin Becker. 

Service and Interment will be private. The family suggests memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers may be made to Christ Church, Fox Chapel.  Arrangements by WEDDELL - AJAK FUNERAL HOME.

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