West Hartford, Vermont. Margaret A. Newton, 72, passed away peacefully at home August 15, 2016 with her family around her. She was born July 22,1944 in Manchester, NH daughter of Denis F. and Mary (LeBrecque) Magher. Margaret graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Manchester in 1962 and shortly after married her best friend and childhood sweetheart, John Newton. They lived in Worcester, MA and Seattle, WA for a time before settling in John's family home in West Hartford in 1965 where they raised their children and have made their home since.

After their children started school, Margaret attended the Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing in Hanover, NH graduating in 1976, later receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Joseph's College in Maine. She immediately began her 24 year career as an Operating Room Nurse at Mary Hitchcock Hospital, retiring in 2000. She was passionate about nursing and took tremendous pride in her ability to help others.

Margaret enjoyed quilting, sewing, riding her Morgan horse, gardening, and bike riding on her tandem bike with John. She and John traveled extensively, cruising around the world, driving cross country, and camping all over New England. Everything she set her mind to do, she did with enthusiasm and talent. She served on the West Hartford Library Board of Trustees, supported numerous charities, and rarely missed a show at Northern Stage. She enjoyed spending her time with her friends at monthly luncheons with the O.R. nurses' retirees group and the St. Joe's Girls. She was very proud and supportive of her grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 54 years, John of West Hartford; two daughters Theresa Estrada of Lebanon, NH and Patricia Gray of Hartland, VT; a son Richard Newton of Virginia Beach, VA; a sister Helena Magher of West Lebanon, NH; and six grandchildren Jen Chagnon and Bella Estrada, Thomas and Joseph Newton, Maggie and Clare McFeeley. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Denis J. Magher.

Visiting hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT on Wednesday August 17th from 6-8PM. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in the West Hartford Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Margaret's memory to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.