Margaret MacRobert (Duffus) Lower, 86, of Boalsburg, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025 at Centre Care Nursing in State College. Born on November 15, 1938 in Hannastown, PA, she was the beloved daughter of the late Robert and Eleanor Duffus and sister to Lillian Duffus Garbrick, currently of Pleasant Gap, and the late Robert Duffus, Jr. On January 2, 1960 she married her high school sweetheart and lifetime love, Eugene Lower, sharing 65 years of commitment and adventure together.
Marg was a 1956 graduate of State College Area High School, received her RN degree from Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing in 1959, and throughout her life attended courses at the Pennsylvania State University for continuing education. She started her career as a registered nurse at Center Community Hospital (now Mount Nittany Medical Center) and rose to the position of charge nurse in the pediatric department, giving her all to patients and families and serving as mentor to numerous young nurses over her 40 year tenure.
Marg gave her heart and soul to her family. She proved that food is love and honest advice builds strong character. She is survived by her beloved husband, Eugene; two children, Beth Lower and wife, Kati Towle, of Silver Spring, MD; and Richard Lower and wife, Monica Wilson, of Ellicott City, MD; and her cherished grandchildren, Dr. Annalise Lower, DVM, and Harper Lower.
Marg reveled in the bright and beautiful things of life and was a curious, life-long learner. From the radiant flowers in her garden to the bold colors of her clothing fashions to the sumptuous flavors of her culinary creations, she was an innovative, creative person. She and Gene loved travelling and traversed the country by car, boat, and RV; cruised through the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas; toured throughout Europe; and relaxed in Myrtle Beach for the winter. Most notably Marg was a voracious reader – from her complete set of Cherry Ames Nurse novels to the latest, hot-off-the-press mystery and everything in between, she read everything and then shared her insights in online reviews and conversation with friends and family.
Marg will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered with a memorial service at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 West Beaver Ave, on Saturday, October 25 at 11:00 am.
Memorial contributions are welcome to the Mount Nittany Medical Center, Women and Children’s Health Fund, foundation.mountnittany.org/give