Margaret Lungren Strotz, former First Lady of Northwestern University, passed away on Sunday July 10th in Evanston with her family. “Meg”, was publically known for her wisdom, strength and composure yet she will be best remembered as an elegant, fun-loving, “glass half-full” inspiration who loved life and was tirelessly devoted to her family to her last day.
The depression-era daughter of a concert pianist and mechanical engineer, Meg was an Evanston High School graduate who spent the year following high school working for Mc-Donnell Douglas Aircraft as a blue print inspector during WWII. With the men off at war, Meg and her sisters resourcefully applied for and received, scholarship funding reserved for the football team at University of Wisconsin, where she attended as a Spanish major. She completed her studies at Northwestern, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in 1947.
She married trial lawyer, Robert Hanley and for 32 years they raised their family in Evanston. Unexpectedly divorced in 1979, a high school friend arranged a blind date and she originally balked at the idea. Meg’s mother playfully commented that there was only one eligible bachelor in Evanston at the time. That bachelor was the 13th President of Northwestern, Robert Strotz. They were married several months later.
As the First Lady of Northwestern, Meg embraced the role as Ambassador and Hostess for Alums and Dignitaries with humility and grace. Meg was a member of the NU Women’s Board, Field Museum Women’s Board, University Circle, University Guild, Glenview Club and Delta Gamma Sorority. She embraced her position and viewed it as an honor and a privilege to stand beside her revered husband.
Meg adored the arts and music filled her life. She was equally at home in the Green Room at the Lyric Opera as she was around the piano cleverly adapting lyrics to Broadway tunes in the living room with friends.
She lived her life as an inspiration to her three daughters, Katie Storer (Dr. Mark Storer) of Wilmette, Dr. Marcia Hoover (Richard Hoover) of Redmond, Washington and Elizabeth Hanley of Saybrook, Illinois. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Jeanette Hanley (Gerald Gutowsky), Timothy Hanley, David Hoover (Staci Hoover), Margaret Greenway (Christopher Greenway), Paul Hoover (Stephanie Hoover), Morgan Hughes, Lee Hughes, Lincoln Hughes and 9 great-grandchildren
The family will remember her life privately. Honoring her request, her children and grandchildren will gather for a private memorial service.
Meg requested that in lieu of flowers all donations on her behalf be directed to Northwestern University’s Robert H. Strotz Research Professorship Endowment which she established in his name, Northwestern University Alumni Relations and Development, 1201 David Street, Evanston, IL 60208 or www.wewill.northwestern.edu