BRUNSWICK — Margaret Soule, age 88, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013, in Venice, Florida, just 6 weeks after the passing of her beloved husband of 68 years, Nelson Soule.

Margaret was born in 1924 and attended Brunswick schools. She graduated in 1942, and met her husband, Nelson when she was just 20. Margaret and Nelson settled in Freeport, ME in 1949, where she worked as an assistant to L.L. Bean CFO Lee Surace. Margaret’s sharp sense of business and finance made her an indispensable asset to the company, and she oversaw many large international investments. Margaret also volunteered at the Freeport Community Services Thrift Shop and the Blood Mobile for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Freeport and was a Sunday School teacher in her earlier years.

To her family, Margaret always embodied endless love, generosity, encouragement and support. She and Nelson would rarely miss the opportunity to cheer on their children, and later their grandchildren, at their sporting, academic and musical events. Margaret was totally devoted to her husband, joined him at every performance that his band performed at, and when Nelson took up running at age 67, Margaret faithfully attended every road race he competed in and enthusiastically cheered him on, along with all of the other runners that passed by her.

Margaret was also known for her wonderful baking and cooking, and to the delight of her family, hosted many family reunions complete with seemingly endless varieties of pie and other delicious homemade food. She put these skills to good use when she and Nelson were innkeepers and co-owners of The Stafford House B&B. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her flower beds, and always had a knitting project under way, which was usually a Christmas stocking that she managed to knit for every new child in the family, including those for her extended family and friends.

Often the prankster, Margaret delighted in making people laugh. One of her favorite ways to do this was to pull someone in with an elaborate tall tale, and just when she had them engrossed in the story, she would pause and say, “I just made that all up.” Her family will fondly remember her lively sense of humor and playful smile, along with her warm and welcoming presence that could put anyone at ease.

Margaret is survived by a large and loving family, including: brother Charles Welner and wife Barbara Welner of Williston, VT; daughter Judi Bauer and husband Ed Bauer of Venice, FL; daughter Jill Soule and fiancée Doug Williams of Windermere, FL; and son Stafford Soule and wife Leslie Soule of Freeport. Margaret also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Rebecca Maiorano of South Portland; Amanda Beal of Freeport; Jennifer Stevenson of Superior, CO; Andrew Beal of Orlando, FL; Sara Morton of San Anselmo, CA; Nate Soule of Winchester, MA; Matt Soule of Brooklyn, NY; and Todd Soule of Brookline, MA. Margaret’s 7 greatgrandchildren are: Zoe Swaffar of South Portland, ME; Alex Beal of Orlando, FL; Merrick Swaffar of Ventura, CA; Reilley Gilliland of Superior, CO; Charlie Morton of San Anselmo, CA; and Maya Soule and Jameson Soule of Winchester, MA.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick, with Reverend Sandy Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Rogers Cemetery, Topsham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tidewell Sarasota Hospice House, 5955 Rand, Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 or First Baptist Church, 185 Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032.