Margaret Elizabeth Penn Manroe

An Austin native, member of the Penn and Fowler families, second generation descendant of Swedish immigrants to Austin in the 1880's.

Austin High School Honors and Activities

Graduated in 1938

Hypatian Literary Society

Austin History Club

Red Jackets

National Honor Society

Student Council

Quill and Scroll

Comet Staff (yearbook)

University of Texas Honors and Activities

Gradated with degree in Bacteriology 1942

Pi Lambda Theta – Honorary Educational Fraternity for Women, Vice President

Pi Beta Phi

Ashbel Literary Society

Orange Jackets

Blue Bonnet Belle nominee

Mortar Board

Cap and Gown, Vice President

Phi Beta Kappa

Pi Alpha Theta, Vice President

Orientation Council, Secretary

Turtle Club

She married Keith Murray Manroe on August 9,1942 after meeting him while registering him for the draft.

There were two things Margaret really loved in life – her family and art. She enjoyed spending time with her large extended family, many of whom also lived in the Austin area. She was an accomplished artist, and shared her love of art with generations of children through her 25+ years as a docent at the Austin Museum of Art, now The Contemporary Austin.

Margaret was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband, brothers Dr. Rhesa L. Penn, Jr. and William R. (Bill) Penn, and sisters-in-law Dorothy Penn and Betty Penn. She is survived by her daughters Dr. Barbara Manroe and Beverly Manroe (Joe Maxwell), sons Mark Manroe (Helen) and Matt Manroe (Karen), her six grandchildren, Meagan Tallman (Kevin), Amanda Maxwell, Drew Manroe (Laura), Reesa Manroe, Nancy Manroe and Frances Manroe, her great-grandson William Manroe, her sister-in-law Dottie Penn and numerous extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Contemporary Austin to support art education and youth programs.