NORTHBOROUGH

It is with great sorrow we share the April 8, 2025, passing of Margaret Ann Duquette, beloved sister, and treasured friend. She was 75 years old and the eldest child of the late Edward P. Duquette and Helen A. (Walsh) Duquette of Northborough, MA.

In spite of her disability from contracting polio in 1953 at age three, and lack of easy access to buildings in the 1960's and 1970s, Margaret successfully graduated from Algonquin Regional High School, secured a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York and a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from Assumption University, Worcester, MA. She was able to obtain a driver's license on the family's Chevy Impala, however, the restrictions imposed upon the license excluded any US made vehicle. It was a Volkswagen beetle modified by her father that kept her moving! She obtained employment with Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in 1975, retiring in 2015. As a Rehab Counselor, she helped countless clients secure available resources and employment opportunities.

Margaret underwent multiple surgical procedures during her lifetime. She always viewed obstacles as challenges, working hard to achieve as normal existence as possible. During the 1980's, due to post-polio syndrome, she experienced respiratory failure. Still, she prevailed, researching the latest medical advances to find a solution to continue to work and thrive in life.

Margaret loved making personal connections wherever she went: work, crafts fairs, local stores, online. A gifted pottery bowl to her read "Sprigs of kindness make a good recipe for life," so appropriate for how she lived. She developed countless life-long friends and, even while being bedridden these last few years, she continued to maintain them and establish new friendships. Often referred to as Santa, Margaret worked all year to find just the right gift for everyone. Greeting card companies loved her, never missing a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or special event.

Margaret shattered preconceived notions of disability. She broke barriers, was a force of nature, and a joyful and generous spirit. She positively influenced every person she met. Her family is proud of who she was and of her final gesture as an organ donor, continuing her legacy of life and service to others. Her only regret might be she was not able to dance. May you dance and run freely now, sweet Margaret.

Surviving Margaret is her sister, Helen Duquette and her partner, Edmund "Ted" Mariani; her brother, David Duquette and his partner, Terry Clancey, all of whom reside in Northborough; and many friends. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her partner, Dr. Robert Martin.

A time of visitation will be held between 5-7 p.m. on Monday, April 14th, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Margaret's funeral and interment in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough will be private.

To continue Margaret's legacy of helping others, her family respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation to a charity of your own choosing. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.