WINTHROP – Margaret Alice Tibbetts, 108, died Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at Winthrop Manor, Winthrop. She was born in Exeter, Dec. 4, 1896, one of two children born to Clarence and Elizabeth (Laird) Tibbetts. She spent her early years on the family farm in Exeter. She attended the local Exeter schools, driving her horse six miles each day to and from high school. She later attended Eastern State Normal School (now Maine Maritime Academy) at Castine and afterwards attended and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono. She was the first woman in her hometown to earn a college degree. Margaret taught for three years in Newton, Mass. and for several years in various rural schools in Maine. However, by far the greater part of her 43 year teaching career was spent in Augusta, where she served as classroom teacher, and guidance director at Lincoln and Buker schools. Margaret never married and her lifelong theme was to be of service to others and to God. She belonged to the East Winthrop Baptist Church for many years, serving as organist and choir director. Margaret accumulated friends as some might gather other kinds of wealth. Her generous spirit and lively interest in people was never failing. Following her teaching career, she contributed her time and energy in a variety of volunteer ways for the next 25 years. She was active with the Family Violence Center and Literacy Volunteers. In 1986 she received the Jefferson Award for public service. Margaret was a great cook and often entertained friends for lunch or dinner. Her generosity of heart will be missed by many, including former students who continued to contact her throughout their adult lives. Margaret was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Celia. Most of her many friends have themselves passed on. Surviving friends include the Ernest Henderson family and the Vesta Mitchell family; Mrs. Connie Burnham and her staff at the former Nicholson’s Longterm Care and Rehabilitation Center are particularly appreciated for the loving care that Margaret received during her last years. There will be no visiting hours at this time. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at the Manchester Community Church, with the Rev. Ernest B. Johnson Jr., officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Tibbetts Family Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Family Violence Project, 83 Western Ave., Augusta 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta www.khrfuneralhomes.com
MARGARET ALICE TIBBETTS
