Jun 12, 2008 By Jennifer Harr 2 min read

A Fairchance woman tearfully apologized for getting behind the wheel after drinking, and getting into an accident that took her husband’s life. “I just don’t understand how I used such bad judgment; it’ll never happen again,” Peggy L. Varto said Wednesday in Fayette County Court.

Varto, 49, was sentenced to six months house arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and two years of probation for involuntary manslaughter.

She was charged following a June 2, 2007, accident on Route 857 in Fairchance. Varto’s husband, Stephen G. Varto, died in the crash. State police filed charges after determining that Peggy Varto’s blood-alcohol level was .177 percent. The two had several beers at a tavern before the crash.

“I truly, truly am so sorry for what has happened in my life,” Varto said, her voice breaking.

She told Judge John F. Wagner Jr. that she lost her husband and her children lost a father.

Wagner told Varto her story should be a cautionary tale for others who drink and drive.

“But for the grace of God, they get home without having an accident occur,” Wagner said, noting that she will live with the knowledge that she caused her husband’s death.

“If there was some way to make people understand when you drink you become impaired with the first drink, and the most unforeseen consequences can occur,” Wagner said. “Take a message from this, and make others understand and take it as a lesson in their lives.”

He encouraged her to come to terms with her husband’s death.

“Take your tragedy and effect others in a positive way, and prevent them from experiencing this,” Wagner said.