Margaret "Peggy" Matlack

RICHMOND, Ind. – Margaret “Peggy” Matlack, age 88, of Richmond, died Sunday, November 20, 2011, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born July 24, 1923, in Birdsboro, Pa., to William and Catherine Eppihimer McKinney, she lived in Richmond since 1954. Margaret Jane McKinney graduated from Birdsboro High School as class valedictorian in 1941. That same year, she eagerly immersed herself in collegiate life, studying biology and chemistry at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. Working in the biology department’s labs, a summer internship at Scripps Institute of Marine Biology in LaJolla, California, and membership in science clubs and honor societies would prove influential in a life-long career in science. She graduated from Ursinus College in 1944, earning a Bachelor of Science with honors in biology. She worked briefly in a commercial lab but heeded a call to return to her alma mater. She joined the biology department at Ursinus College as a teaching assistant. At a social gathering for new faculty in September she met a young instructor in the language department. By December, they were engaged. In 1948 she married Charles W. Matlack from Moorestown, N.J. The young couple moved to New Mexico where Charlie pursued a doctorate at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and then began a teaching career at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. During this time, Peggy worked as a lab technician at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories until the time came to start a family. Anne was born in Las Vegas, N.M. in 1953. Seizing an opportunity to return to his Quaker roots at a renowned institution, Charlie accepted a tenure-track position in Spanish at Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. During the early years at Earlham, Peggy dedicated herself to growing and raising a family. Tom was born in 1957 and David was born in 1959. Satisfied that some of her duties were properly relieved once all three were in public school, Peggy returned to science. She would earn a Master of Arts in science education from Ball State University, and joined the faculty at Centerville High School. Initially teaching earth science, she would move to biology which she taught until her retirement in 1983. Retirement did not last long and Peggy taught anatomy and physiology to scores of pre-health students at Indiana University East until full retirement in 1988. Vocational as well as recreational opportunities often called for the family to be away from home for long stretches of time. Whether the situation was a flat in Madrid, a high-rise in Mexico City, or a tent in Montana, Peggy provided a comfortably neat and tidy home, three square meals, and lots of love. Nieces, nephews, friends of the family, international exchange students, and many others all knew that in Peggy’s house they would find a home. When Charlie added “soccer coach” to his duties at Earlham, the family’s life took on a whole new dimension. The house was often crammed full with current and former soccer players. Peggy’s hospitality was legendary and it extended beyond the soccer world as she welcomed those from her many circles and those of the children, and all beloved neighbors in the Hidden Valley community. Peggy was a strong advocate for quality science education in public schools and a champion for all public school teachers. She was active in a number of professional educator associations at the state and local level and served on a national panel for science standards. The role she is most proud of is being able to represent her colleagues as the 1990-1991 president of the Wayne County Retired Teachers Association. She had a strong sense of service and was an active member of numerous organizations, notably the American Association of University Women, Friendly Circle, and Women’s Club. As she and Charlie made a home for themselves at Friends Fellowship Community, she threw herself into duties, committees, and offices of the resident’s association. Closest to her heart was the company of less formal associations such as her Monday lunch group, Thursday reading group, and Friday night bridge club. She was a beloved member of West Richmond Friends Meeting. The life of the meeting was very important to her and she served on a variety of committees and in a number of capacities. Survivors include her children; grandchildren, Jessica, Chris, Keean, Chelsea, Eric, Jessica, and Rebecca; and great-grandson, Marcus. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and brothers, William and Paul McKinney. Visitation for Margaret “Peggy” Matlack will be from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012, at West Richmond Friends Meeting, 609 West Main St., Richmond. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012, at West Richmond Friends Meeting. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to: West Richmond Friends Meeting, 609 West Main St., Richmond, IN 47374, or Cope Environmental Center, 4910 Shoemaker Road, Centerville, IN 47330. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Margaret "Peggy" Matlack

July 24, 1923 - November 20, 2011