Margaret Joan Crankshow Hollingsworth

1918 - 2013

MARGARET JOAN CRANKSHAW HOLLINGSWORTH Margaret Joan Crankshaw Hollingsworth, known to family and friends as Peg, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday, October 22. Peg waged a long, determined and cheerful battle against old age, and finally succumbed to it, surrounded by family, with the quiet dignity she was known for. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Peg was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1918 to Evelyn Roberts and Charles Bailey Crankshaw. She grew up through the Depression as the oldest of four active and happy children. She was thrilled when her grandfather offered her the chance to go to Purdue University. She graduated from Purdue in 1940, with a degree in home economics, and began working as a dietician for a national restaurant chain based in Chicago. In 1942, as World War II began to unfold, she enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Officers Candidate School at Smith College in Massachusetts. There she became what was known at the time as a 'ninety day wonder' (ensign to lieutenant in three months!). Upon returning to Chicago, she met Yeoman Third Class Gene Hollingsworth and the rest was history. They married in February, 1944, and followed Gene's newspaper career from Chicago to Louisville, to Indianapolis, and finally to San Diego, California in 1958. In San Diego, they raised their family, and stayed for over thirty years. Peg was very active in her church choir in San Diego, and in the San Diego Symphonic Masters Chorale. She was elated to continue her singing when she and Gene moved to Chico to be closer to 'the boys' in the early 1990's. She sang for the University Chorale at Chico State into her nineties, and for even longer with the choir at St. John's Episcopal Church, where she had many deeply treasured friends. A lifelong 'old school' baseball fan, Peg finally reached baseball nirvana with her adopted San Francisco Giants in 2010, and Kruk and Kuip were always part of the household during baseball season. Peg's idea of a good time was an afternoon watching a game with the boys. She was highly skilled as a cook, a seamstress and a knitter, known for her Christmas candies and the scarves she knit and donated to the less fortunate. She will be always remembered for her sunny disposition, sharp wit, sense of humor and positive outlook. She loved life and was an eternal optimist as she fought the good fight, charging up and down the street with her walker, riding her stationary bike, keeping her mind sharp with books, newspapers and crosswords. She was a fiercely independent soul, living on her own until the end. She laughed and smiled until her last day, and her lack of ego and endless sense of gratitude captured the hearts of many as she aged so gracefully. Peg is survived by her three siblings, Roberts of Novato, Bill (Marilyn) of Lexington, Kentucky, and Mary Eunice (Andy Anderson) of Reno, Nevada. She and Gene and all three of her siblings were able to celebrate 50th wedding anniversaries together. She is also survived by her three children, Leslie (Greg Birindelli) of McCleary, Washington, Pete (Karen Goodwin) and Dave (Pat Carlson) of Chico, three grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Peg leaves behind many dear friends, both in Chico and San Diego. Our special thanks go out to the fine people of Enloe Hospice for their compassion, support and advice down the stretch. Their efficiency, kindness and caring truly helped us make it work. A funeral/celebration of Peg's life will be held on Thursday, November 7, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 2341 Floral Avenue, Chico California. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Butte County Library (Chico) or Northern California Australian Shepherd Rescue (www.norcalaussierescue.com) a breed which provided Peg much comfort in her final years. Peg will be dearly missed!