Margaret Marie Hipp, 67, formerly Margaret M. Kaatz Kirwan, died March 6, 2017, at her home after a long illness. She was born on July 1, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., to George and Blanche Gangwere. She graduated from Southwest High School in 1967 and received a bachelor's degree from Baker University in 1971. She lived in the Kansas City area all of her life except for 1971-1985 when she lived in southern California and Arizona and a few months in 1997 when she lived in Mexico. She was married to Paul Kaatz from 1972 until his death in 1985. She was married to Lee Donald Kirwan, Jr. from 1997 until his death in 2008. Margaret was an avid scuba diver, a certified cave diver and a scuba instructor. She had dived all over the world, but her favorite dive site was Bonaire which she visited many times. She always loved dogs and was an active supporter of MoKan Greyhound Adoption. Margaret enjoyed socializing with her many friends at the 75th Street Brewery and similar establishments. She was a beautiful, kind and gentle person. She will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have known her. She is survived by her husband, Rodney V. Hipp; mother, Blanche M. Gangwere; brother, George H. Gangwere, III. and his wife Patricia Gangwere; brother, Robert L. Gangwere and his wife Kay Kramer; two nieces, Stephanie Woodard and Rachel Gangwere; and two grandnephews, Hunter Woodard and Mason Woodard. A visitation will be from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan., with funeral immediately following at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to MoKan Greyhound Adoption, PO Box 234, Independence, MO 64051.

Published in Kansas City Star on Mar. 9, 2017