Obituary of Margaret Helen Spofford

DEER ISLE — Margaret Helen Spofford, known to her family and friends as Maggie or "Honey," died Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. She was 72. Maggie, born Margaret Helen Kimball on Aug. 8, 1937 in Boston, Mass., was the daughter of Marguerite and Charles Kimball. Maggie spent much of the early part of her childhood in Dorchester, Mass. before her family moved to Bremen. She was valedictorian of her graduating class at Waldoboro High School. Maggie spent much of the early stages of her adulthood living in Rockland, where she was a dedicated mother to her four children. She spent the final three decades of her life on Deer Isle. While living in Rockland, Maggie worked in several Midcoast restaurants as a waitress and hostess, most notable being the head waitress at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. It was while working at the Lobster House Restaurant in Rockport that she met her husband, Bernerd. Maggie spent several decades with her husband, Bernerd, operating Maggie's Clam Digger Restaurant on Deer Isle. The restaurant was so well known and appreciated for its fine food and service that actor/director Mel Gibson rented the facility to hold his private gatherings while shooting the movie "Man Without A Face.” Maggie was a generous, caring and loving person who found reward in making the lives of others better. Her passions included reading, doing crossword puzzles, traveling, going to bingo with friends and family and spending time at Hollywood Slots in Bangor and Foxwoods in Connecticut. What Maggie lacked in physical stature — she was only about five feet tall — she more than made up for with immense spirit, spunk, wit, unwavering toughness and a keen sense of humor. Maggie loved watching the Food Network. She also was a fine cook, with one of her most treasured specialties being her spaghetti sauce. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Bernerd Spofford of Deer Isle; her children, Marguerite Dean of Brewer, Lorilee McAuliffe of Bangor, Kenneth E. Waltz Jr. and his wife, Sarah, of South Thomaston, and Scott Ingraham, and his wife, Wendy, of Brooklin; her stepchildren, Brian Spofford, and his partner, Debbie, of Felton, Del.; Barry Spofford, and his wife Stacy, of Thomaston; and Bernie Spofford Jr., and his wife, Heather, of Cecilton, Maryland; as well as her four siblings, Patricia Garland, and her husband, Carleton, of Warren; Charles "Sonny" Kimball of Waldoboro; Eddie Kimball, and his wife Tudy, of Rockland, Mass.; and Dorothy Kimball of Warren. Maggie also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Maggie is predeceased by her father, Charles Kimball, and her mother, Marguerite Kimball, as well as her stepdaughter, Barbara Baker of Rockport. Donations in Maggie’s name can be sent to support the building fund at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, 50 Union Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605. A Celebration of Life will be announced by the family at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com.