Charlton: Margaret (MacQuarrie) LaFleche, 97, passed away peacefully at the Overlook Masonic Health Center in Charlton.

Beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Margaret was pre-deceased by her husband, Real N. LaFleche, and her sisters, Neilena "Tootsie", Mary Louise, Joeanna, Evangeline "Vangie" and Augusta "Gussie". She is survived by her adoring daughter, Heidi LaFleche, and her husband, Gregory Passler of Watertown, MA; her brother, Charles "Mac" MacQuarrie of Lawndale, CA; and many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was born in Framingham to Charles and Margaret MacQuarrie, who then moved to Charlton. She loved to share stories of growing up in the country in a big family and attending a one-room schoolhouse. Margaret was voted Most Popular in her Charlton High School class, and with good reason. Her smile, kindness, and upbeat personality would light up rooms and warm hearts for a lifetime. Margaret also had a flair for drama, playing the lead role in Anne of Green Gables, which she fondly remembered and retold. She always wanted to be an actress and she made the world her stage.

After graduating high school, Margaret worked at the American Optical, where she met her husband, Real LaFleche, and eventually moved to Southbridge. Through the decades, she held several part-time jobs, including as a cashier at the Mary E. Wells Junior High School cafeteria, a bank teller, and, her favorite—as a clerk in period costume in the general store at Old Sturbridge Village.

She enjoyed travel, including summer vacations with her husband and daughter in Maine, trips with her sister and family to Scotland to explore the Isles, as well as visits to family in California and Florida. She relished any adventure, whether a birthday cruise to the Bahamas, road trips to Niagara Falls or Montreal, or a simple drive up Dresser Hill to the ice cream stand.

Margaret expressed her joy for life in many ways. She painted beautiful portraits and still life paintings on canvas and did tole painting on wood, tin, and slate, often gifting her creations to friends. She sang in the Interfaith Choir, belonged to the Southbridge Women's Club, and volunteered at the original Masonic Home reading to elders. She was also an avid antiques buff, yard sale and thrift store queen, and surrounded herself with her whimsical "treasures."

Margaret loved all animals, big and small. She became "grandma" to her daughter and son-in-law's dogs, cherishing their tail-wagging visits. Margaret always kept a youthful, positive outlook, along with her wry (and often sassy) sense of humor. She was always willing to share her 90+ years of wisdom and offer comfort to others. Her spirit is eternal. Though she will be missed enormously, her heart with always be with those who love her dearly.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Overlook Masonic Health Center for their dedication and compassionate care, and for treating Margaret like family.

A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at a later date, at the family's discretion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of Charlton Animal Shelter - Nutritional Assistance for Pets Program, helping local families in need feed their pets. Donations may be mailed  to FOCAS - NAPP, P.O. Box 322, Charlton, MA 01507 or made online at focascharlton.org.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., is directing arrangements.