Obituaries detail

Return to Listings
Margaret Ruth Tietze McCormick
Sep 29, 1944 - Dec 02, 2017

Margaret Ruth Tietze McCormick, 73, died peacefully with her daughters by her side, December 2, 2017, at KU Medical Center Hospital in KansasCity, KS.

 

Born September 29, 1944, in St. Louis, MO, Margaret was the first of four children born to Irving B. Tietze Jr. and M. Reta Tietze.  She graduated from College High School in Bartlesville, OK in 1962.

 

In 1966, Margaret graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence with a B.A. in English.  While at KU Margaret was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and as a senior was tapped to the Mortar Board Honor Society. In 1968, she received her Masters degree with honors in Education and English.

 

Margaret married John James McCormick in 1968 and they moved to Kansas City, Missouri.  There Margaret taught writing at UMKC for seven years where her students honored her with a Mortar Board Award for outstanding classroom teaching.  She also enjoyed serving as a docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  Margaret and John divorced in 1981.

 

Her career as a business writer began as she joined Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company, where she worked for seven years.  She was the first professional woman to join a department of petroleum engineers. During those years Margaret served on the board of her professional organization —IABC (International Association of Business Communications), eventually becoming its president. Throughout her long career as a professional writer Margaret worked for Farmland Industries, The Writers Group, Cerner Corporation, and as a consulting technical writer for industries as diverse as aeronautical engineering, finance, telecommunications, and geology. Margaret joined the IT department at Sprint where she retired in 2014, after eight years and with two US patents to her credit.

 

Margaret was a member of the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church and earlier of All Souls Unitarian Church where she served on the board of trustees for two terms; once its president.  She was privileged to work with student ministers preparing for ordination.  She also chaired the ministerial search committee and served the Unitarian Universalist community as district co-representative for congregations throughout the midwest.

 

In 2001, Margaret married Leo Hogan.  Though different in religious perspectives and backgrounds, Margaret and Leo respected and cherished one another and each other’s families.  They loved to take motorcycle rides through the countryside.  Sadly, Leo passed away in 2013.

 

Margaret was a lifelong learner, and her passions were understanding the nuances of race relations in the US, chamber music, art, travel and her beloved family.  She was an inspired hostess and loved to entertain.  Unapologetically intellectual, Margaret possessed an artistic, graceful and curious spirit.   

 

Preceded in death by her parents, I.B. Tietze, Jr., M. Reta Tietze Speer; one brother, Dr. Paul Tietze; and her husband Leo Hogan.

 

Margaret leaves behind her daughters Anne Canan (Tom), Laura Grobler (Ryan), grandchildren Quinn and Hannah Grobler, all of Kansas City; sister Mary Jane Tietze Witt (John) of Bedford, TX; brother Eric Tietze (Joyce) of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law Dr. Pamela Tietze of Oklahoma City, OK.

 

She also leaves behind grandchildren Davon Hogan and Tavion Hogan of Kansas City.  There are many dear, dear friends, nieces and nephews who will miss this much loved and cherished woman.

 

A remembrance service is pending.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations or volunteering to Operation Breakthrough, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. 
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Services at Later Date

Condolences

Jennifer Merrigan Dec 08, 2017

Friend of Anne ,KC ,Missouri

I am so sorry. And so grateful. What an amazing woman.

Renee Carlson Dec 09, 2017

Friend ,Lee’s Summit ,Missouri

What a dear friend Margaret was. And, what a terrific person she was. Have never known someone that I considered nearly perfect in every way. Such a huge loss this is for all who loved Margaret. My special condolences for Anne, Laura & their families.

Sue Trowbridge Dec 09, 2017

fellow UU at All Souls UU ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

I had great admiration and respect for Margaret. Her work with All Souls was deeply valued. She lived a fine life and was an example to all, using her intellect and heart to work for a better world. She left us way too soon.

George Baggett Dec 09, 2017

Friend for life ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Anne and Laura, I am with tears in my eyes as I learned of Margaret's death. I wish you both the best, and just talked to Sarah about this and she is also sending her love to you both. I have fond memories of our family times, and I'm having a little difficulty realizing this has actually happened. Your mom was a great and wonderful person, cherished by many and it was my great privilege to have known her.

Judy Siegfried Dec 09, 2017

Friend ,Peculiar ,Missouri

I am so sad to learn of Margaret’s passing. We sang together in Kansas City Women’s Chorus. She was a kind and talented woman. I enjoyed our conversations. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends.

Anne Wiedenkeller Dec 09, 2017

To Margaret's family, I didn't know Margaret well, but I knew she was a woman of grace and heart. She was one of the calm places to go to in the Kansas City Women's Chorus, where she shared her voice and spirit for several concerts. We were blessed by that sharing, and I hope knowing that gives you comfort. Peace to you all. Anne

Charles E Downing, Carol O. Fields Dec 09, 2017

friends at All Souls ,Roeland Park ,Kansas

Our deepest sympathy to you all. We carry very good memories of Margaret and miss her.

Sara Grier Dec 09, 2017

Fellow trustee of All Souls ,Fairwat ,Kansas

Daughters, I was crushed to see that Maraget has departed. This woman was fundamental in my understanding of All Souls when we moved here in 1987. She was truly foundational in all my interactions with her over the decades. We divided over the Lee Devoe fiasco, but Margaret held her ground like a rock and I always respected her for it. When Leon died several years ago, I wrote her a long letter about my memories of this glorious man. Much to my shock and surprise, several weeks later I also received a long letter from dear Margaret, telling me how much this meant to HER. She is irreplaceable, my heart is with you girls. We mourn her too. Sara Grier

Randi Pereira Dec 10, 2017

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know Margaret and her family in the last few years. Smart, graceful, cosmopolitan, generous, fashionable .... are just a few adjectives that come to mind as I write this and the list is much longer. My heart is broken for your loss and also full with the knowledge that she is always here in spirit.

Bonnie Schwarzenholz Dec 13, 2017

Respected Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Such a beautiful person. I will always remember her grace and kindness. One of the rare ones that we have the privilege of knowing in our lives.

Julia Daily Jan 08, 2018

I am very sorry to learn of Margaret's passing. She was a very kind and caring person. I met her through the Kansas City Women's Chorus, and I thought of her at rehearsal this evening. I'm very sad for your loss. Wishing peace and comfort to her family and friends.