Margaret Ann Sears

Margaret Ann Sears

Cedar Rapids

Margaret Ann Sears died on Dec. 11, 2022, following several long-term illnesses. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with Pastor Sherri Ilg and Associate Pastor John Heffner officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held at Chester Center Cemetery, north of Grinnell, Iowa.

She was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on May 17, 1932. She was the daughter of Hobart and Alice Howe. Her parents and sister, Helen Louise, preceded her in death.

Margaret married Thomas A. Sears on June 13, 1959, at The First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. They are the parents of Sarah Parsons and Martha Sears.

Margaret graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1950. She played percussion in the high school band as well as in the Cedar Falls Municipal Band. Upon graduation she was recognized for 12 years of perfect attendance. She graduated from ISTC (now UNI) in 1954 with a B.A. in kindergarten – eighth grade education. She taught Kindergarten in the Cedar Rapids schools for 31 years. All of her students where “her kids.”

Margaret was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. She was a member of United Methodist Women, Mary-Naomi circle, Kum Disciples Sunday School class and served on various committees through the years. She was a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital and served two terms as Auxiliary president. She was especially pleased with her support of the UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Child Protection Center. She was a member of Chapter LF, PEO. Her main interests were spending time with family, their special time together each summer at their cabin in northern Minnesota, volunteering, reading, knitting and watching sports with Tom.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Tom, of 63 years; daughter, Sarah Parsons; son-in-law, Jerry Parsons; daughter, Martha Sears; and her three granddaughters, Katie Parsons, Claire Parsons and Ella Sears. Many long-time friends also have a special place in her heart.

Margaret was grateful for the care given by her husband and other family members. The family would like to thank the many dedicated employees at Meth-Wick, especially at Custom Care and the Woodlands.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s UMC for children’s programs or St Luke’s Healthcare Foundation, the Child Protection Center.

Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

Please share a memory of Margaret at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.