Margaret Paxson Brian, M.D., a retired gynecologist-obstetrician and pioneer in the field of family planning, died peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at home in Sacramento, CA. She was 98 years old.
Mrs. Brian was born in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA in 1935 and Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia in 1939. She completed her OB residency at Women’s Hospital of Maryland in Baltimore (now GBMC) and her GYN residency at the City of Detroit Hospital in 1946.
Mrs. Brian, who was known professionally as Dr. Margaret Paxson, began her medical career with Planned Parenthood of Maryland 1946. Later she branched out, setting up family planning clinics for the Department of Public Health in Baltimore, Cecil and Howard counties. Dr. Paxson continued to care for an ever enlarging number of persons as family planning became increasingly accepted by the public. She retired in 1988.
She also spoke to numerous community organizations on human sexuality and the advantages of family planning. She always said “Whatever the cause, it’s a lost cause without Family Planning” and “Every child should be a wanted child.”
Mrs. Brian was a longtime member of Hunt’s Memorial Methodist Church in Riderwood, MD, where she actively volunteered her time in a variety of capacities. She was also active in the Girl Scouts, leading a troop of 35 girls for 10 years while her children were growing.
A travel enthusiast, Mrs. Brian and her husband, the late Harry F. Brian of Lancaster, PA explored and hiked in countries all over the world.
Surviving Mrs. Brian are her two daughters, Bonnie Brian-Caldwell of Seattle, WA., Penny Brian Anderson of Sacramento, CA. She was predeceased by a son, Terry Brian. She has five grandsons.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Planned Parenthood of Maryland, 330 N. Howard Street, Attn: Development and Community Relations, Baltimore, MD 21201.
A guest registry is available at www.lemmonfuneralhome.com
Services are private.
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