Margaret Gauthier

Portland - Margaret (Peggy) Ann Gauthier passed away peacefully and comfortably in her home, early Saturday morning, May 8th, 2021, surrounded by her family and dedicated caregivers. Peggy was born on August 2, 1933 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the only child of William and Gladys (Stanton) Provenzani. She was educated at the Saint Bernard Schools and was a graduate of Fitchburg State Teacher's College. Peggy went on to teach elementary school in Fairfield, Connecticut and Tenafly, New Jersey. In the summer of 1953, Peggy met her one and only true love, Paul J. Gauthier of Portland, in Ogunquit, Maine, where they both held seasonal hotel jobs. An old-fashioned courtship ensued, and Peggy and Paul were married in August of 1957. After time spent in Quantico, Virginia, where Paul practiced dentistry as a Naval Officer on a Marine base, the couple moved to West Falmouth, Maine in 1965. Paul then opened his dental practice in Portland at his family's home on Deering Street, where his father had also practiced dentistry, while Peggy continued teaching at the schools in and around Greater Portland. Their first home together would be an 18th century cape on Hurricane Road which they would lovingly restore themselves. In 1967 they purchased their second and most memorable home, a historic 1763 colonial farm on Mast Road. They would spend the next 20 years restoring this home and creating their many fond memories together, alongside their 4 children. Many historic school tours were held in the painstakingly restored home. Peggy was instrumental not only in the restoration effort with Paul, but also in having the home placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dr. Gauthier passed away in 1990, after practicing in Portland for 25 years. Shortly after her loving husband's death, Peggy moved into the family home on Deering Street and began what would turn into a 30-year vocation as both landlady and building manager. As she had done in Falmouth, she secured the 1866 John A. Poor House with the Greater Portland Landmarks. Peggy was an active volunteer upon her move to Portland, with much time given to the Ronald McDonald House, Mercy Hospital, Gary's House, St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, and the Still A Good Cause Thrift Shop. Peggy also enjoyed many years as a tour guide in Boston, Kennebunk, and Portland. She was a woman who was overflowing with life, had an insatiable appetite for knowledge, a thirst for travel (Italia!), and above all else, loved people. She could often be found sitting on the Deering Street stoop, chatting, sipping wine, and engaging with family, neighbors, friends, and of course total strangers who happened by to smell the roses planted in the front yard. Peggy is survived by her 4 children, Katharine of Manchester, New Hampshire, Christopher and wife Kristy of Kennebunk, Stephen and wife Suzanne of Portland, and Peter and wife Chloe of Freeport; as well as her 8 grandchildren whom she cherished, Isobel, Emery, Paul, Betsy, Sophia, Lily, Auguste, and Arthur. May her wisdom, compassion and joy of life live on in all who knew and remember her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland on Thursday, May 20th at 10 AM, followed by a graveside ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. To view Peggy's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in her honor to Comfort Keepers, 253 US-1 Scarborough, Maine 04074.