Margaret D. Sumner

Margaret Galvin Sumner, 81, a resident of Harrison Avenue, died Saturday, August 30, following a long illness.

Margaret was born in Brattleboro to Emma and Thomas Galvin. She attended school in Wilmington where she graduated as valedictorian. She received a BA degree in sociology from the University of Vermont and an MA in Counseling from Antioch New England. She worked for the Vermont Dept of Social and Rehabilitation Services and later for the Counseling Center in Bennington.

Margaret had a lifelong love for felines and in retirement made the rescue of feral cats, finding good homes for their kittens and adopting some herself, a work of love. She sponsored vaccinations, and to this day has provided food for the feral cats who could not transition to indoor living.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thurston Bradford Sumner in 1999. Survivors include her stepson, Thurston B. Sumner Jr (Susan) and their children Arrington and Thurston B Sumner II, sister Kathryn Johnstone of Bennington, niece Christine Eldred (Jason Barney) of St. Albans, nephew Michael Eldred (Eithne) of Wilmington, and cousin Lydia Terrier (Richard) of Leicester. Friends may call at the Mahar Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, from noon to 1 pm, on Tuesday September 9, followed by interment at Park Lawn Cemetery.

Contributions in her honor may be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter or an animal rescue organization of your choice