VEAZIE — Margaret Carpenter Manter, 88, of Veazie and Bar Island Milbridge, Maine died February 7, 2012, in Brunswick, Maine. She was born February 20, 1923 in Providence, Rhode Island, daughter of the late George W. Carpenter DMD and Lizetta Higson Carpenter of East Providence, Rhode Island and Touisset, Massachusetts.

Margaret graduated from Providence Classical Institute and the Crouse College of Fine Arts at the University of Syracuse with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design. She also attended the Rhode Island School of Design. She married Wilbur Berry Manter, MD, in 1946, leaving New York City for Veazie, Maine, where she raised five children and countless pets, including ducks, a pig, several horses and many dogs. She was a devoted wife and mother. Her husband, Will, passed away in 1999. She is survived by her five children, John S. Manter of Veazie; George W. Manter DMD, and his wife, Susan, of Vassalboro, Maine; Nancy M. Manter and her husband Eduardo Bohorquez, of Brooklyn, New York; M. Berry Manter of Portland, Maine; and Robert R. Manter of Brunswick, Maine. She is also survived by her six grandchildren; Christopher Bohorquez, Abi Manter, Ben Manter, Johnny Bohorquez, Sarah Manter and Lydia Manter. A grandson, G.W. Manter, Jr, predeceased her.

Margaret was an accomplished mixed-media artist, who exhibited her work regionally and nationally, including college institutions, museums and galleries. Her last one- person exhibition was at the Court House Gallery in Ellsworth , Maine in a 2007. A catalogue was produced with an essay written by Carl Little who said “For Margaret Manter, making art is like breathing; a natural part of her day-to-day living. It sustains her, like air, and it has done so for more than half a century…” Margaret’s unique vision, and her love of the natural world were inspiration for her art, which was always remarkably surprising and stunningly beautiful. Margaret was a member of the National Women in the Arts Association, the Union of Maine Artists and the International Society of Experimental Artists and was recognized by the Society for Experimental Artists, which gave her recognition for her valuable contribution to the arts.

Margaret remained active into her eighties, kayaking, hiking and searching for material to inspire her art. Driftwood, pink granite, birds and plant life were all a big part of her visual world. She skied at Sugarloaf for many years and continued x country skiing into her later years. Margaret was always eager to be Downeast along the coast, where she has kept a studio for many years.

Margaret volunteered tirelessly at many organizations including as a teacher at the YMCA. She was a member of the All Souls Church, the Bangor Junior League, Penobscot Medical Auxiliary, Bangor Junior League, the Shakespeare Club and the Maine Medical Auxiliary where she was a past President. She also was a contributor to the Patron of the Arts at the University of Maine in Orono where she enjoyed many art exhibitions and concerts over the years.

A private family memorial will be scheduled at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St. Richmond, Me 04357.