Margaret (Peggy) Mcgivern Perez

Margaret (Peggy) McGivern Perez, age 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Sea Cliff Healthcare Center, Huntington Beach, California.

Margaret was born on May 5, 1933, in Marengo, Iowa the daughter of Peter M. and Loretta (Kibbie) McGivern. She was raised on a farm south of Marengo, the youngest of six children. She graduated from Marengo High School in 1951, and she received her RN in 1954 from Iowa City Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. In 1958, Peggy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa.

In the 1960’s and 70’s, she was with Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta’s National Farm Workers Association. Well known and beloved as the head nurse for Chavez’s famous “March and Pilgrimage” to Sacramento, she founded the NFWA Clinic and served on call 24 hours a day. In 1969, she directed the United Farmworker’s grape boycott in Buffalo, NY, one of five women city coordinators. During this very rewarding period, she met and married Cesar J. Perez I and they had a son Cesar J. Perez, II.

Her deep faith and commitment to nursing and service to others guided Peggy to move where she was needed, finally settling in the state of California.

Peggy is survived by her sisters, Maureen Martin of Palo Alto, CA, Theresa Mauer of Memphis, TN, sister-in-law Lillian Jo McGivern of Keystone, IA and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Cesar (Mark) Perez, brothers, Peter M. McGivern, Jr., Edward J. McGivern and sister Alicia Young.

A graveside service will be held at Marengo Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 18, 2021. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, is assisting the family with arrangements.