Margaret M. Doyle

Margaret M. Doyle, known to family and friends as Peggy, died Saturday, March 6, 2021 at home. Peggy was born in East St. Louis on October 7, 1940 to Helen and George Gagen.

Peggy was the loving and beloved wife of Rich Doyle, who survives, and the loving and beloved mother of eight children: Rich, Jr., who died on February 7, 2020, Joe Doyle, George Doyle, Mary Doyle, John Doyle, Peggy Doyle (Bert Brandenburg), Bob Doyle, and Mimi Russell (Charlie Russell). She was the loving and beloved grandmother of Martin and James Brandenburg, and Lily and Artie Russell. She was the dear sister of Mary Ann Bourbon, Helen Gagen, Gert Covalt (Fred), and George Gagen (Anne) and the late Norine Fravel. She was the dear sister-in-law of Pat Jones. Peggy also leaves behind her two closest friends, Rena and Rosemary.

Peggy retired in 2020, after 20 years as an executive assistant for GaAs ManTech (Gallium Arsenide Manufacturing Technology), an organization of professors, engineers, scientists, manufacturers, and students interested in the study, design, and manufacture of compound semiconductors.

Peggy helped to organize GaAs ManTech’s annual conferences, held in a different city each year, and attended by members from around the world. Her job primarily involved helping exhibitors with registration and booth selection, but she also helped attendees solve their problems. At the conferences, Peggy performed many tasks, one of which was the role of official photographer.

Through GaAs ManTech, Peggy became  friends with many Europeans and Asians, and, of course, with many Americans. They loved her because of her beautiful smile and outgoing personality. An official of GaAs ManTech said, when she was contemplating retirement,

“I can get someone to do what she does, but I can’t get someone to do it the way she does,” a testament to her winsome personality.

At the conclusion of the 2015 conference, speaker Hiroshi Amano, co-winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics, sent an email to Peggy, in which he said, “I understand that your contribution is essential for the success of the CS ManTech and everyone attending the conference enjoyed it because of your warm-hearted attitude and your smile.” In an email to a conference official, he wrote, “Especially, hospitality of Margaret’s secretariat was wonderful! I feel people like her are supporting USA.”

Here is how Peggy summed up her life for her 50-year Notre Dame High School reunion:

I have been happily married to Rich Doyle for 47 years. I have eight wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren. I have been a teacher, a doll designer, a waitress in Irish pubs, an office worker, a retail clerk, and a blackjack dealer at a casino. I have driven across Ireland many times; traveled to Canada, The Netherlands, and Germany several times; to Austria, France, Belgium, England, Spain, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Poland, and several other European countries; and to most of the states (including Hawaii, but not Alaska). I have waded in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and the North Sea; I have partied with the Cardinal Primate of All Ireland; and I was once nearly arrested by a British soldier in Northern Ireland for taking pictures of his guard post. I have been a gardener nearly all my life.

Although she accomplished much in her professional life, Peggy thought her greatest

achievement in life was her children: All have degrees —  from Washington University, Knox College, University of Pennsylvania, University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Columbia University, City University of New York, and Christian Brothers University. Five children obtained advanced degrees — two PhDs, two law degrees and a master’s degree in teaching. Perhaps her greatest pride was that her children paid for their educations themselves, with scholarships, grants, loans, and work study.

Dear Peggy, my lovely, loving sweetheart, dear Peggy, our lovely, loving Mom, your sweet love will ever remain with us. We shall love you always.

According to Peggy’s wishes, she was cremated, and there will be no services. Friends wishing to make a donation in Peggy’s memory may contribute to her favorite charities: Catholic Urban Programs, Doctors Without Borders, or Amnesty International.

Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, IL is serving the family.

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