Margaret Deans Totten

WEST BATH – Margaret Deans Totten, 76, of West Bath, Maine, passed away March 20, 2026, at her home. Born in Biddeford, Maine, the daughter of William and Pauline Deans, Margaret had a lifelong passion for horses and was a pioneer for women in veterinary medicine.

A graduate of Biddeford High School, she attended University of Vermont, and after two years moved on to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1974, one of the few women in her class. She also obtained her Veterinary Acupuncturist certification from the Chi Institute.

Early in her career Margaret was a veterinarian and consultant for several southern Maine veterinarian practices and immunologic labs. She was known for her private equine veterinary practice in midcoast Maine, where she was loved by many clients and colleagues. Margaret helped develop local veterinary technician programs (University of Maine Augusta and York County Community College), coordinate emergency animal response team training, and consult in the biotechnology industry and veterinary technology programs. Always keeping her skills sharp she also returned to small animal veterinary medicine, at Bath Animal Hospital. Her support for the Morgan horse transcended all aspects of her life and her many hats at Kennebec Morgan Farm and Joydale Morgan Farm.

Margaret and her husband, Richard, met when she moved to West Bath. She enjoyed building the family house, barns, and sheds and maintaining the land. A steady presence in her neighborhood community, she could be found with her family, walking the point, chain sawing trees for firewood and lumber, building, on her tractor, riding or caring for horses, gardening and large-scale landscaping.

She was a lifelong volunteer and supporter of numerous community organizations. A lifetime member of the Maine Morgan Horse Club, her volunteer work made many events and shows run smoothly. She was active with the Girl Scouts. She spearheaded a dedicated group of locals acquiring and restoring the West Bath Church/ Meetinghouse for the town of West Bath. An active member of the Friends of the Patten Free Library she could be found hauling tables or books for book sales. Many knew her from her volunteer work as an AARP tax preparer. Always a supporter of land preservation she was on the first board of directors of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust.

She was predeceased by her parents William and Pauline Deans, and brother, Robert Deans. She is survived by her husband, Richard Totten; daughter, Rebecca Totten; brother Tom Deans; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to your favorite charity