People

Margaret V. Searles, 1926-2023

Margaret V. Searles

| Obituary from Wilson Funeral Home |

Margaret Viola Searles, of New Gloucester, passed away in the comfort of her own home on January 2, 2023, at the age of 96.  She was born on November 19, 1926 in Lewiston, ME, the daughter of Alton and Margaret L. Whooley Wing.

Margaret was educated in schools in East Sumner and Leeds before the family moved to New Gloucester in 1940.  She finished her schooling there and met her husband-to-be, Louis R. Searles, while he was home on furlough in 1942.  They wed five years later and enjoyed 36 years of marriage until Louis’ passing in January of 1983. 

Over the years, Margaret worked at several places including T.P. Beals Furniture in Portland, Cole Farms in Gray and retired from Pineland in 1995. In her leisure time she was an avid and skilled bowler, frequenting bowling alleys well into her 90’s. Margaret would spend quiet afternoons watching soap operas and evenings cheering on the Red Sox. A lover of dogs, Margaret raised Collies back in the 50’s and 60’s and although she downsized to Shelties later on in life, these were always her breed of choice.  She will be remembered by many as ‘the lady with her Ladie’ walking along Church Rd. almost every day.

She is survived by sons Wayne and Louis Jr, both of New Gloucester. Margaret is also survived by her special daughter-in-law (and primary caregiver for the last year and a half of her life), Donna Searles, sisters Florence Field of Hampden, ME and Junie Dimock of Springville, Utah; and brother Al “Sonny” Wing of Livermore Falls, ME, each of whom she was in contact with at least once a day on the phone right to the end.  She leaves seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by a most adored cousin and last of their generation, Phyllis Gallant of Bethel, ME and Florida.  

She was predeceased by both parents, her husband Louis and her son Russell, along with six brothers and one sister. To honor Margaret’s request, there will be no visiting hours or services at this time; however, a private family gathering will be planned in the spring.

Read the obituary at this link.