Obituary: Marguerite E. Butler Gallagher, Created a Life of Joy, Love, Responsibility and Kindness

Obituary from Campbell Funeral Home.

Marguerite Elizabeth Butler Gallagher died peacefully the evening of April 13 at her home in Falmouth Foreside ME. She was born on June 16, 1917, and lived most of her life in Beverly MA. After the death of her husband she moved to a beautiful townhouse at the Maples in Wenham MA. For the past three years she has been in Assisted Living at Falmouth by the Sea in Falmouth ME enjoying a view of the ocean and distant islands.

She was the daughter of Margaret Fay Butler and Joseph Butler. Frederick Butler, her oldest brother died last May at the age of 107. Paul Butler, John Butler, Marie Butler Rowe and Eleanor Murphy all enjoyed long lives.

Marguerite created a life of joy, love, responsibility and kindness. She was raised in a home facing the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Her mother found herself as a single parent with six children ranging in age from twelve to two. Marguerite was the youngest. Her mother took a Red Cross nursing course and was able to find employment caring for the ill in their homes. Marguerite and her siblings worked as an economic unit. Some dropped out of school to help provide income. Others managed budgets, shopping, meals, and caring for the toddler. Their mother made all of their clothes. Responsibilities were divided and this family worked to achieve the American Dream. All grew to be part of the middle class, watching their children earn college degrees. The Butlers were known as hard workers and considerate people who loved the sound of laughter.

At the age of twenty-three Marguerite married William Gallagher, who developed his father’s leather brokerage business into an international company. They were able to travel extensively and Marguerite often returned with an array of lovely new clothes. Some like candy, she treasured beautiful clothes. She was the loving mother of four children and an adoring grandmother of nine. Golf, skiing, painting and bridge added to her enjoyment of life.

The disparate life experiences gave great insight into human nature and the importance and value of each individual’s life’s journey. All felt her respect and interest in their lives. Those who met her became her friend. Marguerite was a positive person and found humor in most situations. At ninety-seven, she would say with an impish grin that she was surprised when she awakened each day. Many learned from her the value of a positive demeanor. Her gracious manner, beauty and warm smile will be missed. Hers was a life well lived.

She is survived by her four children. Susan Gallagher Goodall of Ponte Vedra Beach FL, Ellen Gallagher Harris of Manchester-by-the-Sea MA,
Maura Gallagher Carter of Cumberland Foreside ME and Paul William Gallagher of Centerville MA. Her adoring grandchildren are Robert D. Goodall, Eliza Goodall Gavin, Meghan Harris Arvidson, James B. Harris, Jr., Elizabeth Gallagher Berle, Christian A. Berle, Amanda Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, and Maggie Gallagher. She was so proud of her eight great grandchildren. Tyler, Chase and Blake Arvidson, Ella and Molly Goodall,James Gavin, Sebastian Smith and Anna Harris.

Her family members would like to express their gratitude to the kind caregivers at Falmouth ByThe Sea in Falmouth ME and the support given by Hospice of Southern Maine.

At the request of the family funeral services will be held privately. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information and condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com