OWU Mourns the Loss of Respected Former Dean of Women Students

Campus Mourns Loss of Former Dean of Women Students

The following was sent as an email to the campus community on January 13, 2010 

It is with deep sadness that I share with you the news that Dr. Margaret Jeanne Forsythe passed away peacefully on Monday, January, 11, 2010, at Willow Brook Christian Village in Delaware, OH. Margaret was born on May 28, 1923 in Flint, MI and was the former Dean of Women at Ohio Wesleyan University from 1964 to 1983. Prior to her retirement in 1987, she also served as Dean for Student Development, Director of Academic Advising, and International Student Advisor.

Dr. Forsythe received her B.A. from Oberlin College in 1945; Certificate in Business Administration from the Harvard-Radcliffe School of Business in 1946; M.A. from Syracuse University in 1951; Ed.D from Case Western Reserve University in 1963. Prior to joining the administration at Ohio Wesleyan, Margaret was an administrative assistant in public relations with Central National Bank of Cleveland from 1946-1949; the head resident and panhellenic advisor at Kansas State University from 1951-1953; Dean of Women at Kent State University from 1953-1963; Dean of Women at the University of Cincinnati from 1963-1964. She was the former president of the Ohio Association of Women Deans, Administrators, and Counselors and the secretary of the American College of Personnel Association. She was also a member of Phi Lambda Theta, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Alpha Lambda Delta scholastic honorary societies.

Our deepest condolences are extended to all those whose lives were forever touched by Margaret, especially her long-time friend and companion, Mary Jean Roach, registrar at Ohio Wesleyan from 1972 to 2000. There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held at the Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin. A memorial service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church on February 20th at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions in Margaret’s name may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 55 West Lincoln Avenue Delaware, to Passages/Cherith at Willow Brook Christian Community, 100 Willow Brook Way, S., Delaware, or to any charity of choice.

David O. Robbins
Provost