WATERVILLE, ME – Margaret Louise Getchell of Waterville died at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on Sept. 30, 2019 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 88.

Margaret was born in Kezar Falls, Maine on August 22, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Louis Caryle “Carl” Marshall and Hilda Mae (Esterbrook) Marshall of Auburn. Margaret attended Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1949, and she graduated from Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. That same year, she moved to Waterville and worked as a registered nurse at Maine Medical Health Thayer Unit until her retirement in 1994. The last 23 years were spent working in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit. She also taught other medical professionals the Coronary Care Course, along with Dr. Michael Szucs, for 15 years.

Margaret married Earl “Jim” Getchell, the love of her life, in 1954. They remained happily married for 48 years until his death in 2002. Together they enjoyed spending time at their camp in Bridgton, ME and on their many vacations to South Carolina.

She was a fervent member of the Blessed Hope Advent Christian Church since 1954 and served in various capacities there for most of these years. Of primary importance to her was her strong faith in Christ Jesus. She led a Bible Study group at her church for many years, and with her angelic voice, she sang for her church in ensembles, choir, and solo.

Margaret had a keen intellect and a wide range of interests. She loved Nature and the outdoors. She was an avid bird-watcher, was a member of the Josselyn Botanical Society for 43 years, and loved working in her backyard gardens. She was an ardent reader and a passionate scholar of Civil War history, astronomy, and grand opera. She also enjoyed crocheting and puzzles, and was devoted to her close circle of female friends.

Her greatest joys were her two sons and their wives and her three grandchildren. She leaves behind sons Scott B. Getchell and Catherine L. Monrose of Cambridge, MA, and David N. and Elizabeth S. Getchell of Salem, NH and SC; a granddaughter Marisol R. M. Getchell; and grandsons, Bryce J. Getchell of Derry, NH, and Christian J. Getchell of Salem, NH and in-law cousin Anna (Barnes) Hall. She is pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Earl “Jim” Getchell, and her brother in-law Glenn A. Getchell.

Visitors may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 11, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, ME 04937.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday October 12, at 2 p.m. at the Blessed Hope Advent Christian Church, 10 Pleasant St., Waterville, with the Reverend Michael Alix officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Blessed Hope Advent Christian Church, PO Box 473, Waterville, Me 04903