"My aunt Peggy was a wonderful person, and mother. She can now look down upon us knowing she left us all in a better place just having known her. She is now a guardian angel looking after us. But especially, for her son Karl Dow. You will be dearly missed aunt Peggy. Till we meet again, God Bless."
In loving memory of
Margaret Jean Gurau
April 1, 1939 - January 17, 2021
Registry for Margaret Gurau
Margaret "Peggy" Jean Gurau passed away peacefully January 17, 2021 at home in Ames, Iowa.
Peggy was born April 1, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa the daughter of Dr. Henry H. and Liselotte (Lewin) Gurau. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1956. She then attended AIB, Colorado College, and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1961 with a degree in German. She worked at Iowa State University as an Office Manager/Secretary in Physics, Child Development and ended her career in Chemical Engineering. Peggy was instrumental in starting the public library in Roland, Iowa where she was a founding board member and the first Chairperson. She was active in Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Story County Conservation, Reiman Gardens, YSS, and the Ames Public Library. She rode in multiple RAGBRI's, enjoyed hiking, playing tennis, playing cards, gardening, and traveling. She was very fond of all her golden retrievers and cats over the years.
Peggy is survived by her son Karl Dow and grandchildren: Katherine, Joseph, and Jakob Dow, and great-granddaughter Adriana, all of Des Moines, IA, and a nephew, Ryan McCrery of Dunedin, FL; She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Patricia McCrery.
The family would like to thank all the excellent care givers over the years, and helpful staff, with At-Home Care Company of Ames. It was a great ride with you guys! To all the staff and residents at Green Hills Health Care Center: thank you for all your care, assistance, and being a great living community.
A gathering of family and friends will celebrate Peggy's life Sunday, January 24, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. A service will be held at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Peggy's name to the Ames Public Library, Roland Public Library, or the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Peggy was a dear friend too us for almost 50 years. We enjoyed her wonderful sense of humor, her deep artistic talent, and her broad interest in the world around her. She wad kind, generous, tolerant and highly intellect. She could do more things well than anyone I can think of-- painting, cooking, administrative skills, warm parenting, quick wit, music,--how we shall miss her. What a grand friend. Jane and Fred Vallier"
"We are so sorry to hear of Peggy's passing. We were in a Sunday morning running and brunch group with Peggy for many years. Peggy was a good runner and a great brunch hostess. We had fun, discussing the news of the week and eventually the food became more important than the running. We will miss Peggy. Despite her physical difficulties, she was strong and determined to still be a part of our UU Fellowship. It was always so good to see her and chat. Our sympathy to her family. Ginny and Stu Huntington"
"I remember Peggy fondly. I am thankful for her support and kindness."
"Peggy was always helpful in many ways at I'm. Benette Sherman"
"I loved Peggy's spirit of justice--she advocated and generously supported people in need. She'll be missed in our UU and Ames community."
"We will miss seeing Peggy at the UUFA. It was a joy to see her and talk with her regularly. She made such an effort to come, even when it was physically difficult for her. Peggy was interested in so many things around her and provided significant support for programs that enhanced the community and peoples's lives."
"Peggy was a wonderful mentor to me when I worked with her at Iowa State University in the Child Development Department. Deep sympathies to each of her family."