Margaret L. Buerkel

MARGARET L. “PEGGY” BUERKEL (nee Berger), aged 79 years, joined her loving husband of 56 years, Bill, in eternal life on March 15th, 2011. Dear mother of Nancie, David (wife Terry), Laurie Lamb (husband Roy) and Robert (wife Molly), loving grandmother of Lisa Kinnard, William and Dustin Buerkel, Austin and Emily Lamb, and Alec, Jane and Maggie Buerkel, great-grandmother of Kyla and Parker Kinnard, devoted sister of Linda Couch (husband Fred) and Norman Berger (wife Patty).

Peggy was a lifelong Clevelander and had fond memories of growing up in the 30’s on Woodward Ave in the city of Cleveland. Her family moved to Brush Road in Richmond Hts. and then to Euclid where she graduated from Euclid Central High School in 1949. Peggy attended Miami University of Ohio and earned a Bachelor Degree of Science in Education and was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. At a young age, Peggy became a “Curtain Puller” at the Cleveland Playhouse which began her lifelong love of theatre. That love provided life lessons and developed strong friendships and bonds which lasted the rest of her Life. Her interest in Education grew from her work with younger children as a Curtain Puller. After college, she taught in the Euclid school district, began her family with Bill, and continued her passion for the theatre where she was part of the early beginnings of Dobama Theatre. In addition to Dobama, Peggy acted with numerous other theatres, taught creative dramatics for children and worked in professional theatre productions for children. She was proud and respectful of the impact of theatre throughout her life and was always eagerly awaiting her next act. Later in life, she took her skills in teaching and theatre to Case Western Medical School. Peggy coordinated the interviewing program beginning in 1979 which was a pre-requisite for all First and Second year Medical Students. Peggy planned and reviewed over 600 interviews a year. Medical students used these taped interviews to critique and analyze various social skills needed that are critical for the successful doctor-patient relationship. This program continues today. Peggy was involved in her Church as a licensed lay reader and wedding coordinator for many years. She was an excellent pianist and seamstress. She loved her flower gardens, especially when the daffodils were in bloom, which were an annual reminder of rebirth and of her parents, Theresa and Rudolf Berger’s home in Euclid Ohio. Her real love however, was her husband of 56 years, Bill Buerkel, who died several months earlier. They were a good team who enjoyed traveling globally and proudly, lovingly, supported each other and their family.

Contributions in memory of Peg may be made to The Dobama Theatre, 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH. 44118; or to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH. 44119.

For those who knew Peg, please join us for a Memorial service on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 23599 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst at 2:00 PM.

Family will receive friends at a reception following the services.