Margaret M. Overhauser

1927 - 2016

Margaret M. Overhauser

Margaret M. Overhauser died peacefully and quickly in St. Elizabeth Hospital at 8:25 pm on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

She and her twin sister, Anne, were born September 13, 1927 in Pasadena, California. They were born prematurely, and their survival was considered a miracle. She suffered many infections as a youth, which required numerous surgeries. Finally, she got better when she was one of the first civilians to receive an experimental sulfa drug. She remembers the doctor saying, "I really don't know what I'm doing." Miraculously, it worked.

Margaret's philosophy of life was to "trust the universe." Her gentle, unassuming guidance throughout her life has been felt by family, friends, and students. She was universally loved and respected. She always had a smile and best wishes for all. Her friends saw her life as an example. When asked what she wanted for Christmas, she used to reply, "Peace on Earth."

She was happiest when digging in her garden. She also practiced yoga and hsin tao.

Margaret worked as a "computer" for AeroJet in Pasadena during World War II, and helped to develop the first jet engines. With her savings, she attended UC Berkeley, where she met her future husband, Albert W. Overhauser, whom she married in 1951.

She lived a full life, raising eight children and ten grandchildren. She also volunteered at Purdue's International Center and taught English and cooking to International students for over 25 years. She received the George Award for Community Service for this joyful work, which continued until this week.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 10:00 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2224 Sacramento Drive, with a Service at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at 12:15 pm at the Overhauser residence, 236 Pawnee Dr., W. Lafayette, IN 47906.