In Memoriam:
Legend and Friend Margaret “Peg” E. Cawley '41
Margaret “Peg” E. Cawley '41, educator, musician and devoted alumna, died at the age of 93 on Jan. 20, 2015, in Concord, N.H.
Peg was born Nov. 30, 1921, in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., the daughter of James S. and Margaret W. Cawley. She earned an A.A. degree from Colby Junior College in 1941, a B.S. degree from New York University in 1944 and an M.Mus. degree from the University of Michigan in 1946. She was a music faculty member at Colby Junior College from 1948 to1961, during which time she also co-directed Colbytown Camp. Peg taught music in Chatham, N.J. public schools for three years, at Vassar College for one year and at the State University of New York at Oneonta for 23 years. She was nominated to the SUNY–Oneonta Music Department's Hall of Fame in 2009. Peg's major instrument in early years was flute; later she played recorder, harpsichord and viola da gamba. She also conducted choral and chamber music groups and orchestras. After retirement, Peg helped establish the Center for Continuing Adult Learning (CCAL) in Oneonta and taught a new music course in each of 10 years.
“Peg was a wonderful and gentle person. She loved Colby-Sawyer and was particularly positive about her experiences as a counselor at Colbytown Camp,” said President Thomas C. Galligan Jr. “Peg was a champion of the arts, especially music. She was an incredible part of the Colby-Sawyer family and will always be an important part of our history.”
For more than 50 years, Peg shared a home with her special friend, Jean D. London. They enjoyed travel in the U.S. and Europe, and Peg followed a family tradition of quiet water canoeing. Both Peg and Jean were generous philanthropists, and together with Jean's brother, M. Roy London Jr., they were inducted into Colby-Sawyer's Legends Society in recognition of their extraordinary gift to the college that established the M. Roy London Endowed Chair in 2001. The tribute to their father recognizes a faculty member who shares his distinction as an educator and exerts a positive influence on the campus and community.
“It is a tremendous honor to hold the M. Roy London Endowed Chair. The position bolsters the college and conveys the importance of recognizing faculty achievements,” said Professor of Natural Sciences Ben Steele, who has held the chair since 2012. “The benefits of the position have helped me with my research in Finland, and also with several teaching projects. This was truly a great gift from Peg and the London family to Colby-Sawyer.”
Creative and expressive in many ways, Peg's interest in photography led to a number of exhibits and slide shows, including Women in Photography at Colby-Sawyer. The 2008 show featured her Point of Entry photographs, which were close-ups of windows, doors, doorknobs, handles, stairways and arches shot on her Hasselblad and Leica cameras.
Another hobby, letterpress printing, led to the creation of Peg's Fiddlehead Wood Press and treasured hand-printed poems, cards and booklets for family and friends.
Peg is survived by her sister, Nancy C. Jerome of E. Thetford, Vt.; 10 nieces and nephews and their children. She was predeceased by her sister, Jeanne Marshall Pritchard of La Jolla, Calif., and her lifelong companion, Jean. At Peg's request, there was a preplanned body donation to the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and there will be no services.
A memorial concert will be held at Concord Community Music School at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Peg's name to a charity of your choice.
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the college's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.
Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000
