Margaret Ann Keeney

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Margaret Ann (Peg) Keeney, a beloved sister, cherished aunt, and inspiring educator, who left this world on March 18, 2025, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Peg was born on November 25, 1944, in Waterloo, the daughter of Thomas Howard Keeney and Helen Dea Graybill Keeney. She was preceded in death by her parents and her infant brother Charles.

After graduating from Waterloo West High School in 1963, Peg pursued her passion for education at Macalester College, where she majored in English and Secondary Education, graduating in 1967. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to further her education with graduate-level courses at the University of Northern Iowa, Trenton State, SUNY, and San Diego State.

Peg's professional journey was as remarkable as her life. A true adventurer at heart, she began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malaysia, where she ignited her passion for teaching and cultural exchange. This experience paved the way for three years in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as part of an international student exchange program. She returned to Waterloo to work for a decade in Production Control at John Deere Engine Works before dedicating 30 years to teaching secondary English, both in Iowa and internationally. Her teaching took her to various countries, including Poland, Malaysia, the Philippines, Kenya, Thailand, Syria, China, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burkina Faso, and Bulgaria. She was not just an educator; she was an International Baccalaureate examiner for Language A English Language and Literature, impacting students across the globe.

Peg's love of exploration and learning extended beyond the classroom. She embarked on extraordinary adventures that included a breathtaking journey via the Trans-Siberian Express and unforgettable hot air balloon rides over Iowa and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Her adventurous spirit was tested when after enjoying a camel safari in the remotest parts of Kenya, she was faced with falciparum malaria upon her return home. Throughout her life, Peg faced civil revolutions in various countries with resilience.

At home, Peg's passion for gardening flourished, filling her life with beauty and color. Her home was adorned with treasures from her travels, each piece holding a memory of the many places she visited and the lives she touched. Her love of reading and interior decorating complimented her creative spirit. She hosted many family dinners in her home over the years, and the Easter egg hunts she put on for her great-nieces and great-nephews were legendary.

Peg is survived by her sister, Judy (Don) Kester of Waterloo, along with three nieces: Sara (Jon) Cornette of Waterloo, Michelle Kester (Doug Follansbee) of Seattle, Washington, and Amanda (Ben) Wagner of Waterloo, and two nephews: Nathan Kester of Des Moines and Adam Kester (Hattie Timmer) of Waterloo. She took great joy in her six great-nephews: Logan Wonsang, Emery and Javery Kester, August and Charles Wagner, and Walter Kester, as well as her four great-nieces: Amelia and Katherine Wagner, Melanie Kester, and Harlow Kester. Each of them held a special place in her heart.

In honor of Peg's wishes, there will be no service or visitation. Her body will be cremated, and her ashes will be scattered over the South China Sea at Papar Beach in Sabah, East Malaysia, at a later date. Memorials may be made to an organization of choice in Peg's name, reflecting her generous spirit and love for helping others.

Peg will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched, her legacy living on through her students, family, and the countless individuals inspired by her adventurous spirit.