Margaret Ellen Roy of Essex Junction, Vt., passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her.
Margaret Goff was born in Lewiston, Maine, to Francis and Gladys Goff and spent her childhood in White River Junction, Vt. She graduated from Hartford High School and went on to attend the Jeanne Mance School of Nursing, where she began preparing for a career dedicated to helping others.
While in nursing school, Margaret met the love of her life, Marc Roy. Their romance began when they were set up on a blind date by Marc’s cousin, who was also Margaret’s friend. What started as a simple introduction blossomed into a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter and adventure. Together they built a beautiful family, welcoming their son, Chris, followed by daughters Stephanie and Sarah. They raised their family in South Burlington, where they lived for more than 50 years.
Margaret enjoyed a fulfilling career as a nurse. After retiring, Margaret embraced a new chapter alongside Marc. Together they spent much of their time traveling, exploring destinations around the world with friends, and making cherished visits to their children and grandchildren. Whether abroad or gathered around a family table, Margaret found her greatest joy in creating memories with those she loved.
A lifelong reader, Margaret was rarely without a book in hand. She treasured the friendships she cultivated through her beloved book group, which she faithfully attended for over 45 years. Those gatherings brought her great happiness and reflected her love of learning, meaningful conversation and enduring friendship.
Above all, Margaret was known for her generous heart. To know Margaret was to love her. She possessed a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, whether they were a stranger or close friend. Her kindness, grace and genuine interest in others created lasting bonds wherever she went.
Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Marc Roy; daughters, Stephanie Hahn and her husband, Josh, and Sarah Biedenkapp and her husband, Joe; daughter-in-law, Katy Roy; cherished grandchildren, Miles, Max, Sam, Anna and Quinn; brothers John Goff and his wife, Kathy, and David Goff and his wife, Shelly; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Gladys Goff, and by her beloved son, Christopher Roy.
The family would like to give special thanks to her wonderful and loving caregivers at Maple Ridge Memory Care and Home Instead, especially Jovi Perez, Dana Homer and Wayne Crandall.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 4 to 6 p.m., at LaVigne Funeral and Cremation Services, 132 Main St., Winooski, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 3, 2026, 11 a.m., at St. Francis Xavier Church, with burial to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. To send condolences to her family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Margaret’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.