Loving matriarch, active Republican, avid gardener

Margaret Paul Scott, a former Claremont resident with deep Inland Valley roots, died peacefully on January 7, 2012. She was 94.

Mrs. Scott was born in 1918 to Earl Wheeler Paul and Nellie Rugg Paul, early founders of the city of Upland. The only hospital in the city, San Antonio Hospital, was severely overcrowded at the time, so she was born in Los Angeles. Later, Mrs. Scott’s great-grandmother, Frances Mary Paul, donated $75,000 toward the construction of a new, significantly larger San Antonio Community Hospital, which opened its doors in 1924.

Mrs. Scott was attending Pomona College when she met her future husband, Wayne Wheeler Scott, a fellow Pomona student. Among the many jobs he took to pay his way through school, Mr. Scott served as an usher at Bridges Auditorium and it was at Bridges that he asked Mrs. Scott to be his wife. They were married on May 5, 1940, soon after graduating. Mr. Scott left almost immediately afterward for the military, serving as a captain in the Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. 

Upon his return, the couple moved to Santa Monica, where Mr. Scott and his brother founded Scott & Scott Incorporated, a printing and lithography business. The Scotts later resided in Pacific Palisades. They moved back to Claremont in 1999 to be closer to family.

Mrs. Scott was considered the matriarch of the Scott family. She loved hosting big family celebrations as well as bridge parties. Mr. and Mrs. Scott were also involved in politics, beginning with the Eisenhower campaign of 1952.

Mrs. Scott later became active in the Republican Women Federated, serving as president of local clubs, president of the Southern Division and Secretary of the National Federation of Republican Women. She was also a campaign coordinator for President Reagan’s California volunteer program and was later appointed by President Reagan to the Peace Corps Commission. She remained active in Republican organizations until the end of her life.

Mrs. Scott also had a passion for culture, celebrating the beauty of life. She felt strongly about supporting the performing arts, and regularly attended LA Philharmonic and Candlelight Pavilion performances. She also enjoyed interior design and gardening. She lived independently to the end, maintaining her beautiful home and tending her garden at age 94.

Known for her energy, strength of character and independence, she lived and died with grace, faith in God and devotion to family, her daughters said. Mrs. Scott loved her 4 grandchildren unconditionally, passing on the importance of family and community and inspiring them to become responsible citizens, according to family.

“We are all honored to be related to her, and we are grateful for the life example she has set for us all,” Mrs. Scott’s daughter, Deborah Scott-Toux, shared.

Mrs. Scott was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Wheeler Scott, in 2002; by her sister, Francis Paul Randau, in 2010 and by her son, James Paul Scott, in 2012. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Paul Scott of Sacramento and Deborah Scott-Toux of Claremont; by her daughter-in-law, Susan Notrica Scott; by 4 grandchildren, Sean Paul Scott, Lisa Danielle Scott, Christopher William Toux and Alexander Scott Toux, and by several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 23. Those interested may contact the family. Donations in Mrs. Scott’s memory may be made to the San Antonio Hospital Foundation, Pomona First Baptist Church or the Salvation Army.