Margaret Anne Cargill, 85, died Aug. 1 in La Jolla. She was 85. The cause of death was the heart condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The heiress and philanthropist spent much of her time in the communities of Idyllwild, Borrego Springs and La Jolla.
Miss Cargill was born on Sept. 24, 1920, in Los Angeles, daughter of Cargill Inc. executive Austen S. and Anne R. Cargill. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1954 with a degree in art education and went on to pursue her interest in the arts, especially Native American, folk art, weaving and jewelry making.
Miss Cargill donated much of her time and money to organizations such as the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts. She was a supporter of The Nature Conservancy and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.
Her philanthropy will continue beyond her death, as she made arrangements to support many causes, including contributions to the arts, education and disaster relief.
Miss Cargill is survived by a niece, two nephews, many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. Private services will be held in San Diego this week.