Margaret Louise Cawood

Margaret Louise Berens Cawood was born July 2, 1932. She grew up alongside the South Platte River in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Canyon outside Denver, Colorado. Margaret has a sister Sylvia and was the eldest daughter of Leroy and Mary Berens.

Margaret attended a one room school through the 8th grade, graduating from Littleton High School in 1950. Following high school, Margaret attended the University of Denver and St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing, graduating with Honors in 1954.

Following graduation, she joined the US Air Force Nursing Corps earning the Rank of 1st Lieutenant. Margaret served 2 years active duty and 8 years in the Reserves. While stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho she met Jack Cawood.

Jack and Margaret married in 1957, and made their home in McAllen, Texas. Jack and Margaret had three children, David, Mary Ann and Paul. Active in the lives of her husband, children and the community, Margaret served and supported the PTA, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She served as an USAA Swimming Official for over 10 years, and volunteered in many civic organizations, including the local Museum and Library.

Margaret was a Colonel in the Confederate/Commemorative Air Force for more than 10 years, and was the Director of the Oral History program. During her tenure, she helped preserve air combat stories of World War II and the Korean Conflict and personally interviewed, transcribed and preserved the histories of over 500 Airmen for the CAF. She was an active member of the Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers, and served as their President. Margaret enjoyed traveling and the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, and spent many summers looking for fossils and arrowheads. Music, especially Classical, and football were also among her many interests.

A perpetual student of Life, she was active in challenging endeavors that expanded her mind and horizons. She learned Latin, Italian and German, and took additional College courses in Meteorology, History and English. She was a contributor to several magazines, including Wood Carvers, Confederate Air Force and Outdoor Life and Hunting.

Jack and Margaret retired in 2005, and moved to the Air Force I Village community in San Antonio. There she continued in activities including the Sewing group (Sew & Sews), the Ukulele Band and playing the recorder. She made several dear friends and was extremely happy.

Margaret was a three time cancer survivor. Due to failing health and an unexpected illness, Margaret passed away on January 4, 2015.

She is survived by her husband Jack, son Paul (Candace), daughter Mary Ann; grandchildren Neisha (Cal) Hawkins, Jared, Alex, Amber and William and Great Grandson Bryce; sister Sylvia (Leonard) Hill; nieces Louise Walker and Debra Scifo.

Margaret was preceded in death by son David and parents Leroy and Mary Berens.

A memorial service will be held on January 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Air Force Village I/Blue Sky's; 4917 Ravenswood Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78227. A reception will follow.

Arrangements with

PORTER LORING MORTUARY

1101 MCCULLOUGH

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

210-227-8221