Margaret Gurney's Obituary
Margaret Gurney was born in Harrah, Oklahoma in 1928. She was the oldest of twelve siblings with seven sisters and four brothers. She comes from a family with a very strong Polish heritage even speaking Polish as a child.
Preceded in death by her parents Mike and Mary; a brother Raymond; three sisters Louise, Dorothy and Elenora; and her long-time best friend Carolyn Heintz. She is survived by four sisters Clara Ann, Evelyn, Irene and Virginia; three brothers Fred, Dan and Leon; twenty-four nieces and nephews; numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews; and several life-long friends.
In Margaret’s 20s, she made her final vows with the Carmelite Sisters in Oklahoma City, OK and transferred to San Diego in 1968. After her service with the convent, she taught 1st grade at Chula Vista Elementary School for 26 years. She enjoyed family and friends, traveling, having adventures, gardening, cooking and hosting dinner parties.
Always a priority was her first love, Christ our Lord. She was very active in her church Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church in San Diego ministering to her church in several capacities including Eucharistic Minister, lector and helping establish the Grief and Healing Ministry. Through her work with that ministry she deeply affected countless people by guiding family members through the grieving process and assisting them with the difficult decisions throughout the burial process and as long as needed afterwards.
Margaret lost her brief battle with cancer on January 25 resting peacefully at home surrounded by loving family. She now enjoys eternity in the presence of God and His community of Saints and Angels.
On Thursday, January 29, Margaret’s viewing will be from 1-5PM at Clairemont Mortuary with her wake following at 7 PM at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church in San Diego. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30AM Friday January 30 at Our Mother of Confidence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of her favorite charities: CalRTA – the California Retired Teachers Association; Delta Kappa Gamma – an international society of women educators making a difference worldwide; Eagle’s Wings – the caring outreach of the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center; or Make a Wish Foundation.
Please feel free to leave a note to family members. We would love to hear from all of her many friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?