... be faithful, friendly and forgiving.
Marguerite Kuebrich
Each year, Marguerite Kuebrich helps fund a child's Catholic education.
But Kuebrich, an Iowa City resident for 78 years, would never tell you that.
After the death of her sister in 1999, Kuebrich established the Stella and Marguerite Kuebrich Scholarship for students of Regina Catholic Education Center.
Kuebrich, 99, has exhibited generosity throughout her life, but she does not like to boast about her former career at Mercy Hospital, her past volunteer duties at St. Mary's Catholic Church or years she spent caring for her sick parents.
Kuebrich and her sister, Stella, lived together and actively supported Catholic education for years. All of Kuebrich's siblings, including a brother who was a priest, are now deceased.
Kuebrich has sat through many funerals, but throughout all the high and low points of life, Kuebrich tries to "be faithful, friendly and forgiving."
Kuebrich has depended on her faith to get through difficult times, including several serious surgeries. "Lots of times, I've had to trust in God," she said.
Kuebrich has belonged to St. Mary's Catholic Church since her family moved to Iowa City in 1930. Each day, Kuebrich walks the several blocks from her home at Ecumenical Towers to the church for Mass.
Kuebrich loves when friends call or stop by her apartment, where she has lived for nine years.
"We are really one family," she said. "It's a good place to live."
Kuebrich can socialize with neighbors in the dining hall if she wants, or she can fix her food in her cozy apartment. Kuebrich is glad to be self-sufficient.
"I have had a long, fulfilling life," she said. "I am able to live independently, and I am still breathing."
She continues to amaze people with her intense faith, kindness and modesty.
Although she does not try to be, she is different. She possesses a rare combination of selflessness, strength and humility.
"It's great to be unique," Kuebrich said.
— Megan Carney
