MARGARET VAN DUSEN

VAN DUSEN MARGARET

Passed away November 24, 2018, shortly after her 100th birthday. She grew up in Norman, Oklahoma with her sisters, Leota and Jane (both deceased). Margaret attended the University of Oklahoma receiving the highest academic honors including Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Omicron Nu, Alpha Lambda Delta, Outstanding Woman Student and the Dad's Day Award. She was President of the Student Government and elected Beauty Queen. The yearbook described her as "a combination of beauty and brains." Even at the age of 100, she had essentially no wrinkles on her face. Margaret received her Master's Degree at Northwestern University where she met her future husband, Dr. Albert "Van" Van Dusen to whom she was married for 72 years. Her lifelong love of learning was evident by her additional studies at UCLA, University of London and the University of Pittsburgh. With her remarkable intellect and memory, Margaret could have been a very successful professional. Instead, she chose to mentor her children and serve as a tireless support system, teammate, ghost writer and editor for her husband who had a demanding administrative career as Vice Chancellor at Pitt. She laughingly called herself the "back up kid" for organizing, managing, and hostessing large gatherings and serving gourmet meals (often required at the last minute).  With tongue in cheek, she described herself as a "Household Systems Manager." She was an avid reader of current publications, classic books and subscribed to dozens of publications reviewing the latest medical, dietary, financial information and world events. She was the family's investment guru. Margaret took pride in her three daughters, Margaret, Jane and Sara whom she called "The Three Angels." She served as their role model for hard work, continuous learning and education, proper grammar, and "ladylike" behavior. Margaret was listed in Who's Who of American Women for her work as a Community Volunteer. She served on countless Boards as an officer for organizations benefiting causes to which she was devoted. Margaret received a State Department Citation for her 25 years of service on the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors as Board member and Officer. She served on the Presbyterian University Hospital Volunteer Board for 25 years, three times as President. She was President and Board Member of the Women's Fortnightly Review of Mt. Lebanon and a member of the Board of Directors of The Twentieth Century Club. Committed to beautifying the community, Margaret served 10 years on the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy Board of Directors and the South Hills Garden Club. She believed music was a special gift for everyone and served as a Co-Founding Board Member of Music for Mt. Lebanon Keynotes. Believing education is key to a successful life, Margaret was a Council Member of the Parent-Teacher Association of Mt. Lebanon and named as Honorary Life Member. For many years, she was the Program Chair for the Ten O'Clock Scholars Lecture Series at the South Hills College Club. Margaret was an active member of the Southminster Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder and on the Scholarship Selection Committee. Margaret and Van traveled the world multiple times visiting, planning and supporting Pitt and many AID projects. They maintained friendships throughout the world and are remembered for their generosity, warmth and fun as a couple wherever they visited. Margaret kept copious notes during each trip and often lectured to community groups about the diverse cultures she experienced. Margaret is survived by her three daughters who will miss her dearly. Margaret's celebration of life service will be private and her ashes will be interred at the military Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego beside her husband. Donations may be directed to: Nationality Rooms Program, Albert C. and Margaret Van Dusen Summer Study Abroad Scholarship, 1209 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.  Please add tributes at beinhauer.com