Mavis Gwen McVeety

Mavis Gwen McVeety Age 80, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024, in Des Moines. Preceded in death by parents Eldon B. and Nina (Pritchard) McVeety, and brother John A. McVeety. Survived by brother James E. McVeety (Deborah), niece Meredith (Nick) Vogel, and nephews Benjamin John McVeety (Suanne Hawkin), Samuel McVeety (Jordan Goldwarg), and David McVeety (Jarita Ta). Born March 11, 1943, in Eldora, Iowa.

Blind since birth, Mavis strived to open the eyes of others to what she could accomplish through force of will, her remarkable intelligence and the steadfast, fierce support of her parents. After graduating from the Iowa Blind and Sight Saving School in 1961, Mavis broke barriers at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), graduating in 1966 with a teaching certificate in French and Spanish. During those years Mavis honed her skills in French by traveling to France on her own in the summer of 1965 and later studying at Middlebury College in Vermont.

Following graduation she taught in the Maynard West Central and Centerville High Schools then returned to UNI to earn her Masters degree in French in 1971. Ever a scholar, Mavis would later earn a second Masters degree from Drake in 1982.

Mavis worked at the Iowa Commission for the Blind and later at the Iowa Historical Society before her retirement. A longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Des Moines, Mavis was an active member of the Lady Builders group, sang in the choir and crocheted prayer shawls. Mavis was a voracious reader and volunteered in local schools reading to elementary children introducing them to Braille. Mavis loved to sing and one of her greatest joys was being a member of the Drake University Community Chorus. She was a proud homeowner for thirty years before moving to Scottish Rite Park. She made Des Moines her home and navigated its sidewalks and bus routes with aplomb just as she had memorized the landscape of her hometown of Eldora and Cedar Falls. Her kindness and generosity and her determination to live independently have been a source of inspiration to family and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, in the Penthouse at Scottish Rite Park, 2909 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Kappa Delta Pi Scholarship Fund at UNI or to the Scottish Rite Park Good Neighbor Fund. Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

Click here to visit the Iles Funeral Home website.