HOLLIS- Marguerite Clark Gardner, 78, died suddenly on August 2, 2018. She was the daughter of Herman and Gertrude Clark of Saco, Maine.
Marguerite was an educator, a mother, a musician, a politician and a public servant. She spent her life improving the lives of others. Her roles as a teacher included helping soldiers en route to Viet Nam to gain their GED and the bond she formed with these young men remained with her for the rest of life. Later she taught English as a second language to immigrants making a new start in the U.S.A. For many years she served the State of Maine in various roles. Working with the mentally ill at the Augusta Mental Health Institute she cared deeply for the patients ensuring that they received proper treatment. During the mid-eighties she battled in the Maine Legislature and Senate to restore helmet laws which had been suspended in the 1970’s. Her concern for those suffering with brain injury was another lifelong passion.
Later in her career she became a champion for the victims of work related injuries with the Department of Workers Compensation. Traveling all over the State of Maine, sometimes to very remote areas, she went above and beyond the call of duty in her effort to make sure these workers were treated fairly and rehabilitated successfully. She was also responsible for helping the blind to set up snack bars by which means they could help support themselves. In short, her entire working life was centered on benefitting the unfortunate while receiving very little compensation herself.
As the member of a family with a long history in York County, Marguerite had a great interest in local politics and history. She volunteered for the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society helping to restore their facility and promoting events. She served on committees to benefit the community. Marguerite was a lifelong musician having learned to play piano at a very young age and one of her greatest joys was to serve as the pianist for the Buxton Center Baptist Church.
Most importantly Marguerite was a mother and a caring companion. Often was the time that she took those in need into her home for shelter. She worked hard to raise her children and instill in them a sense of honesty and a good work ethic. She felt that it was important to pursue education, broaden one’s horizons, and to be a participant in the affairs of the world rather than merely stand by. Marguerite will be deeply missed not only by her family but by her many friends.
Marguerite is survived by her daughter, Beth Gardner of Hollis Center, her son Geoffrey Gardner of North Palm Beach, Florida, her son and daughter-in-law John Gardner and Stephanie Scott of Lady Lake, Florida, and one grandchild—the apple of her eye—Tessa. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Clark Riedel of Frankfort, Kentucky, brother-in-law Jesse Philbrick of Saco, several nieces, nephews, their children, and a large number of cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 9, at the United Baptist Church, 318 Main Street, Saco, ME 04072, at 12:30 p.m. with a reception following. Following the reception, a committal service will be held at Highland Cemetery in Dayton for any who wish to attend. Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com