Rachael Marie (Radakovic) Pegher

Rachael Pegher (Radakovic), 83, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on February 11, 2026.

Born on July 6, 1942, in Braddock, PA, she was the daughter of Angelina (Cerra) and Robert Radakovic, both of whom preceded her in death.

Rachael devoted her life to her family. While her husband served in the U. S. Air Force, she focused on raising her children and creating a loving home. She carried that same dedication and strength into every chapter of her life.

Throughout the years, Rachael held several roles that reflected her strong work ethic. She worked at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory as an Assistant Computress, at Pepperidge Farm as a Manager, and spent 29 years with Allegheny Podiatry as a Certified Podiatric Assistant. She took pride in her work and approached every responsibility with commitment and care.

Above all else, Rachael was the person everyone called when they needed help, advice, or reassurance because she could do just about anything she set her mind to. Known for putting her whole heart into everything she did, she was strong-willed, determined, and never afraid of changing things if she believed they could be better. Her bullheaded perseverance was matched by deep love and loyalty to those closest to her.

In her younger years, Rachael enjoyed baking, cake decorating, painting, sewing, often making her own clothes, and arranging flowers. She found satisfaction in creating beautiful things with her hands and took pride in doing them well.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, David J. Pegher; her children, Matthew (Sylvia Kolibal) Pegher, Christopher (Laura) Pegher, Jennifer Pegher, and Julie (Shane) Tanouye; her daughter-in-law, Kim Pegher; her grandchildren, Tyler, Amanda, Mackenzie, Quinn, Alexander, Jacob, Rachael, Benjamin, Samantha, Mia, Sarah, Austin, Lexi, and Hope; her great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Charlie, Roman, and Lucas; her siblings, Robert (Marilyn) Radakovic, Linda Briski, and Salvatore (Cheryl) Radakovic.

She was preceded in death by her son, David A. Pegher; her sister, Kathryn (Richard) Newtz; and her brother-in-law, James Briski.

Family and friends will be received at Findlay C. Wylie Funeral Home on Monday, February 16, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Verona, PA, with a luncheon to follow. Private interment will take place at a later time.

Those wishing to honor Rachael’s memory may send flowers, plant a tree, or make a memorial donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).

Rachael will be remembered for her strength, her determination, and the steadfast love she gave to her family throughout her life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rachael Marie (Radakovic) Pegher, please visit our floral store.