Margaret L. Gurney
1921 – 2010
SOUTH PARIS — Margaret L. Gurney, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 14, at Market Square Healthcare Center. A happy woman of warm wit and intelligence, her quiet faith and inner peace were profound.
She was born to Ernest and Alma Merrill Gurney in Hebron on Dec. 10, 1921, the sixth of seven children. As a child, she was quiet with reading being one of her favorite and lasting pastimes. She graduated from Norway High School, Class of 1940. She was a beautiful young woman, blonde, blue-eyed and independent long before it was fashionable.
She soon started her life-long career with what was then known as The New England Telephone Co., retiring at the age of 55 after 37 years. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
A thoughtful gracious woman with a deep love of family, she never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special occasion. She became the favorite aunt to her many nieces and nephews, who remember birthday cards with money that smelled of her favorite perfume. Among the many memories will be her lime party salad at Christmas, lobster rolls at the beach and fall foliage trips around the mountains. Although independent, she held a deep concern for others, caring for her mother until her death in 1967, and, in her later years, providing company and assistance to Cleona Tracy, until her death.
She was a devoted sister, loving and supportive aunt, and loyal friend. She is deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
She is survived by her dear sister, Hazel Holden and her husband, Richard.
She was predeceased by her parents: sisters, Edna Briggs, Mary Chapman, Georgie Holden and Edith Thurston; and a brother, Howard Gurney.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff at Market Square Healthcare Center and Beacon Hospice Services for their kind and caring support.