Margaret McGuire

Margaret "Peg" McGuire was born in Cleveland, Ohio January 27, 1919. She was educated in Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in June 1941 earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She spent three years serving the War Effort at American Steel & Wire and Lincoln Electric Companies. Peg joined the American Red Cross Overseas Unit and went to France and Germany to serve with the occupation troops and those being redeployed to the CBI or South Pacific Club & Club Mobile. Following this experience she entered CWRU for graduate school training in Medical Social Work obtaining her Master's Degree from what is now Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences in June, 1948. She then worked at University Hospital providing direct service and supervision of students and young staff persons, for over eight years. In September, 1956 Peg joined the casework staff of Benjamin Rose Institute where again she combined direct service to clients with supervision of students and young staff members. See below for excerpt from an article which appeared in the BRI Bulletin September, 1982 just prior to Peg's retirement in December, 1983. "Mrs. Margaret "Peg" McGuire received a 25 year award. She began working at BRI in September, 1956 under Executive Director Miss Margaret Wagner. ... ..In addition to ongoing and highly skilled casework service to the various BRI clients, Mrs. McGuire served in various supervisory and consultative roles through the years., sharing her knowledge and expertise to the benefit of staff, clients and the Cleveland Professional Community. Student Supervision, Staff Supervision, BRI Group Program, Margaret Wagner House Social Services, Geriatric Outreach Training Program through CWRU were only some of the programs and activities with which she was involved. She also served on many BRI committees which formed the basis for various policy and program changes through time. Her accomplishments earned her the honorary title of Assistant Casework Consultant in 1975 - a position she held until her retirement. Known as BRI's expert resource for questions and concerns regarding medical social problems, nursing home care and the "Beneficiary" Program, Peg always was willing to assist staff in meeting client needs." Following her retirement, Peg engaged in some volunteer work at Fairmount Presbyterian Church where she was named a Deacon for 1990-1992 terms. She continued to be active at Cleveland College Club where she served on the Board and with OWU Alumnae who gave her a "Distinguished Service" Certificate in April, 1988. From March, 1984 until November, 1990 Peg worked part time at the Cleveland Heights Office on Aging where she was able to utilize past experience in assisting the various social workers employed there. After moving to the Laurel lake Retirement Community in Hudson in October, 1991 Peg engaged in volunteer work in the Crown Center Nursing Home adjacent to the facility. She was a member of the TLC Group. Regarding the marriage of Bob and Peg McGuire, they did not meet until after World War II when Peg was in graduate school at CWRU and Bob was at home helping to look after his elderly parents. The fact that Bob's father had what now appears to have been Alzheimer's disease and Peg was busy helping her brother with his small son led to a delay in their making wedding plans. They had dated over ten years before their marriage on September 5, 1959. Although they had no children of their own, they greatly enjoyed visits from nephews and nieces over the years. Bob's death on August 3, 1991 came as a great blow for her because he had been Peg's great friend and helpmate as well as a wonderful uncle and neighbor. Although Peg was modest about her achievements, this sweet lady was very accomplished!!


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