1926 - 2022 GARDINER - Margaret E. (Leavitt) Staples passed away on May 11, 2022 to be with her Lord and her beloved husband and family. She was the daughter of Arthur E. Leavitt and S. Marjorie (Townes) Leavitt, born on April 8, 1926 at home. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, her sister B. Maxine (Leavitt) Goodspeed, Three brothers; A. Leonard Leavitt, Robert E. Leavitt, and William E. Leavitt, Stepchildren; Cathleen A. Staples, Patrick F. Staples, and Michael F. Staples. Margaret married Thomas F. Staples on November 23, 1985. They enjoyed traveling to Florida, golfing, being with family, and just being together. Margaret and Tom were blessed with 27 years of a lovely marriage. Tom died on July 23, 2012. Margaret graduated in 1944 from Gardiner High School, worked at the Marston Insurance Agency in Gardiner and continued there when the agency was sold to Dunlap Agency. She retired in July of 1987. Margaret was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Gardiner, active in the choir, Carry on Club, Willing Workers, Baptist Ladies of Christian Service (BLOCS), and finance committee. She sang in the Bicentennial Singers from 1976 to 1985, the Augusta Symphony Choir. In her later years she enjoyed painting in watercolors, golfing, crocheting, knitting. Margaret leaves behind her Stepdaughter, Anne Tessari, Step Grandchildren; Eben Tessari, Jason Wing, Sarah (Wing) Harradon, Jeffrey (PJ) Staples, Elizabeth Staples, Dylan Staples, and Colby Staples, and Several Great Step Grandchildren. Special nieces and nephews; Nancy (Goodspeed) Morrel and Carroll, Thomas C. Goodspeed and Sharon, Laurie J. Leavitt, Mary E. (Leavitt) Bailey and Thomas, William A. Leavitt and Cathey, Zack Leavitt and Rhonda, Mark Leavitt, and Marie, Bob Leavitt and Cheryl, Susan (Leavitt) Lortz and John, Russell Leavitt and Sandy, Therese (Leavitt) Yakel and Paul, and Kris Leavitt, Several Great Nieces and Great Nephews, Special Sister-in-law Barbara Leavitt of Massachusetts. Margaret also leaves behind a dear step son-in-law, Victor Tessari. The family would like to thank nurses, James, and Shula, CNA Emily, and other professional staff of MaineGeneral Hospice. We are grateful to Rosie Thayer and Susan Moulton for the years of care and friendship, as well as to the staff of Gardiner Family Chiropractic for the years and service and loving care during Margaret's final days. We are also grateful for the loving assistance of Courtney (Cori) Goudreau and Meadow Erving. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 17th, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, a funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 18th, at 1 pm, at the First Baptist Church of Gardiner, 47 Church Street, Gardiner, burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery, Gardiner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, Stain Glass Window Restoration, c/o First Baptist Church 47 Church Street, Gardiner, ME 04345 Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com