Margaret Gilbert Birdsey, age 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 19, 2026.

Margaret was born in Plainfield, NJ on February 4, 1934 to Kenneth R Gilbert and Harriet F Gilbert. When Margaret was 12, her parents, older brother Kenneth “Chick“, and she moved to Alton Bay, NH. Her father was a realtor in the Alton area who sold Boulder Lodge on Lake Winnipesaukee to Elmer and Kathryn Birdsey, which is when Margaret first met her future husband, David Birdsey. Shortly after Margaret completed nursing training, Margaret and Dave married and started a family having four children; David, Robert, Amy, and Karen. Along with raising a young family, Margaret and Dave started a successful business on Main Street in Alton, Birdsey’s Texaco. Her children best remember Margaret for her love of family and creating a supportive and loving environment. After her children completed their education, Margaret earned an Associates Degree from UNH. Margaret was an active member of the Alton Congregational Church and Alton Garden Club where she served as president for two years. Margaret also created custom lampshades and enjoyed knitting for her grandchildren. Following Dave’s retirement, Margaret and Dave enjoyed traveling throughout the US, England, and Scotland. Margaret and Dave were married for 63 years before Dave passed away in 2017. Margaret continued to live in the Church Street family home that Dave and she purchased in 1958 where she continued to enjoy her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Margaret is survived by her four children and their spouses: David and Judy Birdsey, Robert and Kathleen Birdsey, Amy and David Shibley, and Karen and Tom Griffin; nine grandchildren: Dr. Amanda Birdsey-Benson, David Gilbert Birdsey, Robert Kenneth Birdsey, Kathryn Lynn Sheldon, RN, David Peter Shibley, Krista Margaret Machon, RD, Robyn Shibley Cullen, Thomas Chase Griffin, and Benjamin Kenneth Griffin; and 17 great grandchildren. Also included with fond memories are Lauren and Mike Allen, Thomas and Rachel Motta and Jennifer Demarest.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NH Humane Society and The Gilman Library at PO Box 960, Alton, NH 03809.  At Margaret’s request, a private family funeral will be held at a later date.