A memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the Church of the Incarnation at the University of Dallas.

Margie Cruse joined our Heavenly Father on June 1, 2021, with her family by her side, after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Margie was born on April 27, 1940, in Little Rock. Arkansas, to Boyd and Margaret Barker. She attended Holy Souls Grade School and Mount Saint Mary Academy for young women. A leader in every aspect, including academics, she received a scholarship to the University of Dallas, where she enrolled in the fall of 1958. At the University of Dallas, she continued to excel in her academic work and not only met the love of her life, Dan Cruse, but established friendships that continued throughout her life.

In 1975, after having three wonderful children, Margie returned to college and received a B.S. in elementary education with honors, specializing in children’s literature, from the University of Texas in Austin. Her friends often used the words generous, elegant and sophisticated to describe this beautiful lady. Her style, taste and charm made her a favorite partner, friend or volunteer in so many endeavors. Margie initiated the formation of book clubs in three cities and served countless hours of volunteer service at UTSW Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. She was always at the forefront of leadership in her many volunteer activities. Her love of children was evident as a supporter and board member for many years at the Notre Dame School of Dallas. The Notre Dame School recognizes that each person is created in the image of God and educates students with developmental disabilities. Also, not known to many because of her modesty, was her financial support of the music ministry at the University of Dallas Church of the Incarnation.

For pleasure, she was an annual visitor to the antique fair in Round Top, Texas, which she attended with her daughters and friends, for over 25 years. This interest in antiques was clearly evident in the four homes she designed for the family, including her beloved Black Walnut Ranch. For 60 years she stood side by side with her husband, Dan, as his life partner. Her presence and influence were highly respected by the worldwide partners and staff at Spencer Stuart. Together, she and Dan enjoyed extensive travel to Europe, Asia and Africa, most by association with business, a tally of over 30 countries.

Margie’s most important role in life was as a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Dan, and a wonderful mother to her three children, six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. She is survived by her husband, Dan Cruse of Dallas; three children: Dean Cruse and his wife, Felicia, of Austin; Peggy Cruse Olivier and her husband, James, of Dallas; and Amy Cruse D’Alise of Dallas. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Boone Cruse and his wife, Sophie Marine, of Austin; Sofie Cruse of Santa Fe; Margaret Burgau and her husband, Brock, of Minneapolis; Claire Hutton of Austin; Dominic D’Alise of Dallas; and Elizabeth D’Alise of Dallas, as well as two great-granddaughters, Nina Pearl Cruse and Hattie Jean Burgau. In addition, she is survived by her beloved brothers Donald Barker and his wife, Dorothy, of Plano; George Barker and his wife, Adrienne, of Tucson; and Richard Barker and his wife, Ann, of Pottsboro.

In conclusion, a special gratitude is extended to Manchester Care Homes and Hope Hospice and their amazing caregivers, particularly Berretta Gunter, Agnes Chitendere, Hospice Nurse Kara Miller and Hospice Aid Lucretia Lara. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Notre Dame School of Dallas or the Margie and Dan Cruse Endowed Scholarship at the University of Dallas. For those unable to join the family, the memorial Mass can be livestreamed here.