Margaret Ruth Lowe
Apr 25, 1929 -
Oct 10, 2025
Margaret Ruth Lowe (nee Olson), age 96, passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minn. Born on April 25, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Norwegian immigrant parents, Margaret led a remarkable life defined by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.
Margaret was a proud Minnesotan by birth and education and earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Minnesota in 1951. Just after graduation, she married Richard B. Lowe, and their honeymoon led her northward to Alaska, where she would build both a family and an extraordinary career. Margaret continued her academic pursuits with a Master of Education degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1963, and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1975.
Margaret began her professional journey as an elementary school teacher. While in Fairbanks in the early 1960s, she presented her own television show "School for Fun" for elementary-aged children. Over time, her passion for education and advocacy for individuals with special needs propelled her into increasingly impactful roles. She served as a special education teacher and administrator before becoming principal of The Whaley Center, a school in the Anchorage School District for the assessment and educational planning for special needs children. Her dedication to education extended into higher learning as she served as an adjunct instructor in the School of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Her influence reached beyond the classroom when she was appointed Division Director for the State Division of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities. She subsequently served as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services under Governor Walter Hickel. In this role, she championed programs that improved the lives of developmentally-disabled children and adults across Alaska. As a trustee for the Alaska Mental Health Lands Trust, Margaret continued to advocate for those often underserved or overlooked. In 2018, she was inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.
Margaret's professional accomplishments were matched by her deep involvement in community life. A lifelong Lutheran, she was active in several congregations throughout her life, including Central Lutheran Church in Anchorage and Grace Lutheran Church in Culver City, Calif. She held leadership roles within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, serving as congregational president and as Vice President of the Alaska Synod. She was also a member of PEO, a philanthropic organization that supports women's education. Early in her life she was active in Republican politics and maintained a strong sense of civic responsibility throughout her years.
As a young woman, Margaret studied piano and voice, and she remained a devoted musician during her life, passing this talent and vocation to all three of her children. She also cherished time spent at her recreational ski cabin in Girdwood, Alaska, a place that brought her joy and peace amid nature's beauty.
Her adventurous spirit carried through all aspects of her life. From setting out for Alaska as a newlywed to leading state-level initiatives for mental health services and traveling internationally, she embraced these challenges with energy and grace. Margaret lived with purpose and passion. Her legacy endures through the countless lives she touched—as an educator, advocate, leader, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Margaret is survived by her three children, Timothy (Patricia), Daniel (Peggy) and Mary Elise (Jane Austin); grandchildren, William Benjamin, Andrew R., Violet, Julianna and Kelsey; and great-grandsons, Phoenix, Easton and Henry. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Olaus Olson; and brothers, Carl, Ralph, Howard and Harold.
A memorial service will be held on Dec. 5, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the Lyngblomsten Care Center Chapel, 1415 Almond Avenue in Saint Paul.
The family suggests that memorial gifts in her name be directed to The Arc of Anchorage in Anchorage, Alaska. Individuals can visit https://thearcofanchorage.org and click the "Donate" button at the top of the page. From there, they can make a secure online donation — either as a one-time gift or as a recurring donation if they wish to continue supporting The Arc of Anchorage in Margaret's name. If someone prefers to send a check, it can be mailed to: The Arc of Anchorage, Attn: Margaret Lowe Memorial, 2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.
