Margaret and I met at a Law Librarians of Greater Portland lunch meeting and hit it off. We both lived south of Portland and regularly got together to walk and talk.

We earned our Masters of Library and Information Science degrees together through the distance education program of the University of South Carolina. Cutting edge for the times, USC beamed live classes via satellite to Augusta. From there they were broadcast to the campuses of the University of Maine. We took classes at Saco Island, and communicated by dial-in telephone when called on to participate! Margaret was a popular and dedicated librarian, ever encouraging and celebrating the accomplishments of students with whom she worked.

She had an adventurous spirit, taking canoe lessons with me at UNE. We carried a canoe above our heads, took turns slipping over the side into the water and getting back in. We were wet, happy and laughing. She invited me to her family camp in Sabino where I kayaked for the first time. It became a much loved pleasure. 

One clear, chilly evening we climbed to the top of the small hill in Biddeford’s Rotary Park. We waited for darkness. There we stood, in awe as the Northern Lights flickered and danced in shades of green, blue and purple. It took our breath away.

She would invite me over for a proper “Tea “. I was charmed by her gracious table, with old linens, freshly baked sweets, and a “cozy“ for the tea pot.

Margaret loved her family: sharing stories of her parents, siblings, daughters, and all their families. I am so grateful she blessed my life.

Pat Kennedy