Margaret Boyle Whitworth
October 7, 1942 ~ October 25, 2013
Born October 7, 1942, daughter of Neil J. Boyle and Catherine Collins Boyle, Peggy Whitworth died on October 25, 2013, surrounded by family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. David Beckman. Visitation: 4-8 p.m. on Monday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, at a later date. Additional parking for the visitation for Peggy is available after 5 p.m. on Monday next door to the funeral home in the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors parking lot (the corner of 19th Street and 1st Ave NE). Loving mother to Patrick Alan Whitworth of Cedar Rapids, she is also survived by brothers, Thomas Boyle of Bennett, Iowa, and Timothy P. Boyle of Cedar Rapids; sister, Jane (Jim) Boyle Field of Sacramento, California; and nephew, Daniel Brendan Boyle of Central City. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her older sister, Nancy Boyle Macy. After living the first years of her life in Madison, Wisconsin, Peggy and her family moved to Sperry, Iowa, and ultimately to Bennett, Iowa, where she lived until leaving for college. Peggy graduated from Mount Mercy College in 1964 and later completed a Master's degree in American Studies from the University of Iowa. After obtaining her undergraduate degree from Mt. Mercy, she worked in the Mount Mercy Admissions Office, driving her new Ford Mustang throughout the state of Iowa to recruit students. She married Alan Whitworth in 1969; their marriage later ended in divorce. After working on his 1974 Senate campaign, she joined the staff of Iowa Senator John C. Culver, serving in his Cedar Rapids office until his defeat in 1980. To say she caught the political bug was an understatement, and so began her life-long volunteer career in politics. In 1981, Peggy was named Executive Director of Brucemore, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, bequeathed to the National Trust by Margaret Douglas Hall. Under Peggy's tenacious leadership, major restoration, preservation, and rehabilitation projects established a pattern of stewardship that Brucemore continues today. In her 26 years as Director, Peggy's most significant legacy, however, is the infusion of culture and performing arts into the identity of the site. When Mrs. Hall left her home to the National Trust, she envisioned a resource for the community that was not constrained by widely held assumptions about appropriate historic house museums' use at the time. In accordance with Mrs. Hall's wishes, the blessing of the National Trust, and the support of the Brucemore Board of Trustees, Peggy established the historic site as a community cultural center with annual events like Celebration of the Arts, theatrical productions like The Classics at Brucemore, and special performers like the Joffrey Ballet. The innovative use of a historic estate as a hub of cultural activity cemented the estate's connection with the community and established Brucemore as an example of best practice in the field of historic preservation. Thanks to Peggy, Brucemore is a nationally-respected National Trust property and locally-loved community treasure. In addition to stewarding Brucemore in its formative years, Peggy made an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the state of Iowa, serving on the Iowa Public Television Foundation Board, the State Historical Society Board, the Iowa Historical Foundation Board, the Terrace Hill Board, and locally on the boards of the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, SPT Theatre and the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre. Peggy provided leadership for the Paramount Theatre in three different campaigns, including chairing the 1975 capital campaign, working on the 2000 capital campaign, and serving as community representative for the Paramount's most recent post-flood rebuilding effort. Legion Arts/CSPS also benefited from her assistance in their $7 million campaign to rebuild after the flood. Outside the cultural realm, Peggy served two terms on the Iowa Board of Pharmacy from 2007 to 2013, and was a charter member of John C. Culver Public Policy Center Board. Most central to Peggy's life was her beloved son, Patrick, with whom Peggy enjoyed countless road trips to Big 10 campuses throughout the country. Peggy and Patrick shared a love for marching band music, Kernels' baseball, UI Women's basketball, and any sport Notre Dame played. Patrick's enthusiasm for life was Peggy's inspiration for her service on the ARC Board of Directors and her involvement in Options of Linn County. No one advocated more passionately for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities than Peggy. For more than three decades, Peggy involved herself in numerous state and national political campaigns. She was a legendary mentor to countless young campaigners who'd come to Iowa to cut their political teeth. She housed them, she fed them, and inspired them ' showing by example how hard work, high standards, and selfless commitment can win campaigns. Every Democratic presidential candidate sought her counsel and endorsement. A hand-written note from President Barack Obama received on the day she died read, 'Your activism and passion have changed the world for the better.' Gifts in Peggy's memory may be directed to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, with designation to the Peggy Boyle Whitworth Endowed Fund for Brucemore.
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Oh my Peggy and family….how we are going to miss you. Good things come in little packages…well you were proof of that. I’m still in awe of your accomplishments and role in life. May all the good things be remembered and held close to our hearts. Hugs Kenny and Candy Burmeister
Prayers and condolences to Peggy’s family. May you find comfort in knowing that Peggy lived life to the fullest and knowing that she was so loved and respected by many people not only in this community but throughout the entire country.
Rest in peace Peggy, you will be truly missed !
To Janie and the rest of Peggy’s family – I can’t tell you how shocked and saddened I was to hear about Peggy tonight. She and I shared some wonderful times at Mount Mercy while recruiting for the school. You and she are in my prayers.
Peggy was a friend and mentor to so many of us. Along with incredible leadership and organizational skills, Peggy had a good heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Her stories were the best. I loved to watch her chair a meeting. My most cherished memory though will be the breakfasts we shared at local eateries, the times I tutored her at her home on the workings of Facebook, and the talks about our families, our community, the arts, history, ethics, books, people, God, and politics and more politics. Peggy was a treasure who will be greatly missed and long remembered. Farewell, Amazing Lady and Dear Friend . . .
My prayers and most sincere condolences for the Family and Friends of Peggy Whitworth. In her honor and to offer some small solace for her loss, I offer the following verse that I wrote…
A BRIGHT LIGHT HAS GONE OUT…(By Michael M. Kelly Sr.)
A bright light has gone out and let some of the darkness in,
And only God understands why.
We who are left behind are not to understand,
But maybe we have to accept.
We have to accept that for a little while,
Peggy’s bright light was sent to be among us,
For us to enjoy,
And now she’s gone back to God,
Where her bright light can shine forever.
Please don’t be sad for Peggy,
She has gone to a place where she will be happy always,
And she will forever, remember your love.
I was a student nurse when Patrick was a baby and was hospitalized with his health issues. It seemed I had the magic touch of getting Patrick to sleep. Peggy and Alan and I became friends and they were very kind to us St. Luke’s nursing students, and to me especially! I babysat many times with Patrick. Peggy was a wonderful person and although we lost contact, I remember her fondly and I was saddened to hear that she had passed – so young!
I recently moved and came across photos of Peggy and Patrick! In fact I just hung a wall hanging Peggy gave me for a graduation present in 1973! (I have always really liked it and it is timeless) Peggy was definitely on my mind recently.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Peggy was an amazing woman with a huge heart, an amazing spirit, and energy beyond belief!
With intentions of peace and grace to Peggy’s spirit, may you as her family also find peace.
Sincerely,
Alice
I am so sorry I will not be able to attend Peggy’s memorial service, as we are now in Florida.
Peggy and I were almost the same age – she was 1 week older than me. When we came to Cedar Rapids in 1968 to teach, Peggy was one the first people that we met. She and Kathy Novy were driving around Iowa recruiting for Mt. Mercy at the time. We enjoyed many a good party together among our theater and music friends. We attended theater performances, musicals and concerts – then laughed and carried on over the holidays and celebrations. Our paths diverged in recent years, but the memories remained. I was always so impressed with what Peggy did at Brucemore. She left a very large footprint with those very small feet. I think Tim said it well when he mentioned she cast a long shadow. My heart is sad for the loss of long time friend and I know that the family will miss her terribly. The Democrats and the community will miss her tireless work on their behalf. Blessings, peace and love to all the family and most importantly to Patrick. May we remember the good times.
What a lovely person you were, Peggy. I have such good memories of those early years when Larry and Al were teaching at Kennedy, and you shared your experiences as a recruiter for Mt. Mercy. Your memories of that institution were central to my decision to make MMC my alma mater. I remember your passion for politics, your love for your little boy, your courage in taking on the position with Brucemore. Thank you, dear Peg.
Peggy was such a wonderful, inspirational and classy lady. She will be missed, and was loved by all. I loved her laughter and smile. The days will shine not so bright, while the night will be brighter with the addition of her Star. Wishing love and peace to her family and many friends.
We 1st met Peggy through the “1776” production at Brucemore. It was then that we learned of her tireless crusade for the art here in Cedar Rapids. We being transplants to CR, Peggy was very helpful and gracious introducing us to many people in the arts community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peggy’s family through this difficult time. God Bless.
May you find comfort in the warm memories.
I’m so thankful for the personal support, wisdom, guidance Peggy provided. A very special mentor and friend.
Blessings,
Patrick,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am so thankful for our reunion in Colorado. our prayers are with you
First met Peggy when Gene ran for office.1974….an amazing person we so enjoyed over the years! A true loss to the community…a name no one will ever forget! ..a honor to have known her! Gene and Sally
Peggy was an inspiration to me and so many others. Our paths often crossed at events Peggy had a passion for. What an incredible loss for all…but what a beautiful legacy she leaves us. Fond memories will come back as we enjoy Patrick and his enthusiasm for life…
I am a Brucemore Volunteer
and worked with Peggy a long
time. I admired her and will
miss her.
Judy
Peggy managed to elevate the concept of determination to a new level. She was a powerhouse in a petite package. Through some combination of intellectual acuity, social savvy, Catholic compassion and a dollop of Irish humor she not only envisioned lofty goals, she generated the momentum to achieve them. While doing so, she demonstrated how to live a purposeful life. I am humbly grateful toward her for that and many other gifts.
Peggy’s family
We so enjoyed Peggy at Mount Mercy, she was always fun to be around.
A fellow 1960 graduate, Pat Henricksen DeWitt, Iowa
To Patrick and all of Peggy’s family,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Peggy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Peggy was a force to be reckoned with whose passion and progress will reverberate in Cedar Rapids, through work like the Arc, and in Iowa cultural vibrancy for generations.
May your memories be a warm blanket of comfort throughout this difficult time!
Some of my fondest memories of my time spent in Cedar Rapids have Brucemore and Peggy’s work there. She was a community treasure and she will be sorely missed.
One year Peggy lived across the hall from me at Mt. Mercy. She was a spitfire of energy and fun! Peggy always referred to herself (in one of her famous accents) as “one of the little people”. We shared some great times on campus and it was always a joy to reconnect at various venues in Cedar Rapids. My sympathy to her family and friends.
When I moved to Cedar Rapids in 1983, I became a volunteer tour guide at Brucemore while Peggy was at the helm. What an amazing job she did at making volunteers feel valued! I always left Peggy feeling as though the place would have to close if I stopped volunteering. In the years since then when I’ve run into her, she’s always been warm and friendly. What a loss for all of us; my prayers are with her family.
Mary and I have known Peggy not just through a working relationship but as friends as well.
She will be missed.
Deepest sympathies to Peggy’s Family and Friends in theire loss to a truly remarkable woman. You will be missed Peggy!
It is with a real sense of loss when I reflect that Peggy’s passion for her interests will no longer be present among us. But she left a mark on many and gave us a compass that will help those who admired her work and determination the direction to pursue the important things in life.
It was with deep sadness that I learned of Peggy’s passing — I have no doubt that she will be greatly missed by the Cedar Rapids community. I worked for her at Brucemore between 1998 and 2006 and started when I was a PhD student at the U of I. Working at Brucemore and with Peggy changed the direction of my career and my life. She gave me opportunities that allowed me to find myself in the museum profession, to grow, and succeed in numerous ways. For these things I will always be thankful. I have many special memories related to Peggy, too many to list here. But I especially treasure the touching farewell she gave me before I left the Midwest for Boston, where I am today. I won’t be able to physically be there to celebrate Peggy’s amazing life but my thoughts are with you, her friends and family.
I new Peggy for a short time. But, the time that I spent with her at the Board Meeting was always great. She will be missed by everyone here at the Iowa Board of Pharmacy.
To Peggy’s family my sincere condolences. A bright light has gone out in our community and her presence will be missed by all. I’ve never met a more dynamic, enthusiastic or drivven person. Peggy was an inspiration to all who met her and wielded her influence through subtle persuasion. I feel priviliged to have known Peggy and to have worked side by side with her on a couple of projects. She will be missed.
I first met Peggy in 1990 when I began working with Patrick. She was passionate about everything she did but nothing meant more to her than her son, Patrick. Watching the two of them together was always a treat. The way they would laugh and pick on each other much like two best friends. Although Peggy had a very serious side to her, I frequently saw her soft-hearted humorous side and adored it. She could always make Patrick and I laugh. I admire Peggy as a person, but most of all as a mother. I feel blessed to have known Peggy. My prayers go out to Patrick and the rest of Peggy’s family and friends. She will be missed by so many.
We wish to extend our condolences to Peggy’s family and friends.
With sympathy,
John and Diane Rosteck
Thank you for all the good you brought into this world. We will carry your spirit as we work to continue what you started.
Even though our political philosophies were 180 degrees apart; Peggy served as a valuable resource to me on public policy and the arts. Her letters of support to the Iowa Arts Council on my behalf, and her assistance after the flood were invaluable.
The world has lost a tremendous lady; no one finer around this community! To the family of Peggy Whitworth I send my deepest sympathy. I’m glad I got to know her over the years and she did so much for so many. I can even remember giving her tennis lessons over at Washington High School, but of course her efforts to make this community a better place and the world a better place, for that matter, is what everyone will remember her for during her lifetime. May God bless you all during this most difficult time.
Peggy was pure energy.
She knew how to put coalitions together and how to rock the boat when it was needed.
We are all better off for having known her.
My best to your family and especially Patrick. You will be missed.
The city of Cedar Rapids and Lynn County lost an outstanding cheerleader for the community. Her advocacy and development of Brucemoore as more than just a home to visit is just one of the many things she has accomplished in her more than 25 years of advocacy. Her shoes will be hard to fill.
The city of Cedar Rapids and Lynn County lost an outstanding cheerleader for the community. Her advocacy and development of Brucemoore as more than just a home to visit is just one of the many things she has accomplished in her more than 25 years of advocacy. Her shoes will be hard to fill.
Peggy you made our world a better place and the people you knew; better people.Go in peace my friend.
I got to know Peggy when she first began her career as Executive Director of Brucemore in the early ’80’s. I became one of the first tour guide coordinates when it was a “volunteer” position. This was back in the day before email, cell phones and in many cases, even answering machines. I must have talked or met with her daily for over a year. The public had a pent-up passion and intrigue for the property, so as the interest level for individual tours and groups grew, so did the need for more volunteers. She worked tirelessly (really long hours) to recruit volunteers and assist with the training of tour guides. Brucemore was Peggy’s baby. She was protective and passionate about it…honoring Margaret Hall’s intent to the letter. Peggy totally understood Mrs. Hall’s vision, but took it to a level beyond what Margaret could even dream. Thanks to Peggy, Brucemore became the community’s best asset as well as a model for the nation and other property’s with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I admired her tenacity, work ethic and ability to make things happen. She was a great mentor for a stay at home mom who had just moved back to Cedar Rapids and was getting her feet wet by volunteering. Her humor got us through days of scrambling to accommodate all the tours, or fill in when a tour guide didn’t show. Small, but mighty. I will always treasure her wisdom, guidance and her friendship. She was a good one. Gone too soon, but not forgotten.
Peggy,
You are one of those people that made a difference. You have inspred me to do the same in my own way. I will miss you as will Brucemore and Cedar Rapids and the world. My life is richer for having had you in it. Rest in peace dear friend.
Peggy was an unrepentant New Deal Democrat. Every now and then someone comes into our life and we realize we will never meet their like again. So it was with Peggy.
Regina
Peggy’s joy for life and passion for causes helped light up our lives and our community. We miss her.
Peggy’s spirit will live on in her work throughout the community. A trail blazer and determined woman who made us all proud.
Our deepest sympathy to Patrick, Tim, and Jane on the passing of a Mother and sister. If we all could do just a fraction of what she has achieved in her lifetime, it would be a lot.
Rick, Lydia, Justin & Trent Burmeister
Atlanta, Ga.
Although I first met Peggy in 2006 she was always there with a word of advice or encouragement when it was needed. She was a genuinely community minded person and her influence on Cedar Rapids future will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Peggy I am glad I got to meet you and call you my friend!!
Peggy was a good friend and one of the bright lights in our lives. Her legacy to Cedar Rapids is Brucemore and the important place that it fills in our community. Rest easy, Peggy
Tim and family,
We are so very saddened by Peggy’s passing. She was a great inspiration to us, in so many ways, as well as to the community, of course. We loved her optimism, humor and spirit. Peace and comfort to you.
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Peggy. In 1988 when we were starting our family, we bought our first house and Peggy was our neighbor. She was such a wonderful and loving neighbor to our children. She even gave our daughter some very special jewelry to wear when she was a flower girl in a wedding. I enjoyed seeing Tim and Patrick playing basketball in the driveway on many occasions. When we outgrew our small home and moved away, we gave Peggy 2 small brick houses to represent both of our homes and told her that she would remain in our hearts forever. We were so lucky to have known Peggy and her memory will live on in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to her family. God Bless.
To Patrick, Tim and all of Peggy’s family: my sympathies for your loss. I’ll miss her, too. You are in my thoughts.
I was a colleague of Peggy’s at the National Trust. I can only smile when I think of Peggy. Brucemore embodies her creative instincts and her sense of community. Isn’t it wonderful to have that live on forever. I also smile when I think of Peggy and Patrick. God bless Peggy, Patrick and he entire “Peggy” family.
Peggy has been a fixture of the Cedar Rapids community, a respected figure in the growth of its culture and will certainly be missed by countless people.
I will miss seeing her every week at Barnes & Noble with Patrick.
I think Peggy and the passion she had will be missed for a very long time.
Peggy was an inspiring professional collegue who became a friend over the two decades I knew her. Her influence extended further in the historic preservation field than many knew.
Peggy,
Thank you for 30 years of friendship and a lifetime full of good memories.
The good times with you at Brucemore will live forever in my heart. You were the best!
I will miss you terribly.
Your friend,
Roger
To Peggy’s Family:
You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time and have my deepest sympathies.
When I first saw Peggy (probably at a Brucemore Event), I though what a pint size person. Then she spook in her booming voice and certainly set the impression straight. She was a dynamo with a heart of gold and a wonderful mischievous spirit. We will miss her, but our community is so much better because of her.
My deepest Sympathy to Peggy`s family. We worked together for Sen. Culver as I have worked for him when he first ran for congress. Peggy and I worked on several other civic projects. She will be missed by all.
John A. Kuba
Podivin , Czech Republic
I worked with Peggy for Senator John Culver and got to know her and love her. We kept in touch over the years, she always made time. I miss her good cheer and her laugh. My sympathy to her family and friends.