Margaret Allen Kirkendall died on May 28, 2009 in Dubuque, Iowa after a lengthy illness. She was 86 years old. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be recited on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels. A reception will follow in the St. Mary's Fellowship Hall. Graveside services and interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. Margaret Jane Allen was born on March 24, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the oldest daughter of Grace (Payne) and William Allen. At an early age, she decided to become a nurse and eventually put herself through the nursing program at the University of Iowa, graduating with an RN degree in 1944. Margaret planned to pursue a career in academic nursing, but met a new medical resident, Dr. Walter M. Kirkendall, who had come to the University of Iowa following his military service in Italy during World War II. They were married on March 31, 1948. Throughout their life together, Walter and Margaret had a close relationship and truly seemed to complete one another. As Walter pursued his academic career in medicine at the University of Iowa Medical School, Margaret supported his efforts and worked to provide a stable home life. Margaret and Walter were the proud parents of 10 children. Their home was known as a busy and often boisterous place. There was always an open door for the frequent visitors and Margaret was well known for her energy, hospitality, and plentiful food. In 1971, Walter accepted an opportunity to help establish a new medical school at the Texas Medical Center and moved the family to Houston. Margaret admitted to some trepidation at leaving Iowa and her many friends, but she lived by her often-quoted adage that "you bloom where you are planted." With this attitude, it was not long before she brought many new friends and Texas traditions into her life. Throughout this time, Walter and Margaret continued to work as a team to help to establish the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Their efforts helped set the foundation for the medical school and its subsequent development as a premier teaching institution. After Walter's death in 1991, Margaret remained busy with her family and friends and continued to participate in a wide variety of community service activities. In retirement, she lived in New Braunfels and then Austin, Texas until she finally returned to Iowa, to live in Dubuque. She is survived by her sister, Frances Allen Rassenfoss of Park Ridge, Illinois and Margaret's 10 children: Judge W.C. (Alice) of Seguin, Texas; James (Kathleen) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Dr. Matthew (Isabelle) of Dubuque, Iowa; Thomas (Susan) of the Woodlands, Texas; David (Ann) of Tomball, Texas; Nancy (Robert) Cook of Austin, Texas; Dr. Mary of San Antonio, Texas; Kathryn (Gene) Acuna of Austin, Texas; Joseph of Los Angeles, California; Michael of Austin, Texas; her 32 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren;numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the endowment for the Walter M. Kirkendall, M.D. Lecture Series in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School, 6431 Fannin, MSB. 1.122, Houston, TX, 77030, in care of Philip C. Johnson, M.D.