WINTER HAVEN, Florida — Margaret Ann (Roark) Scott of Palm Gardens, Winter Haven, Florida, peacefully left the stage the morning of Friday December 13, 2024. She was 83 years old.

Born January 6, 1941, to Norma (Howell) and Bernice Roark, Margaret lived her life full of spirit. She grew up in “Green Bank”, MD with her mother, brother, grandparents and extended family. The river was her favorite place to be, and she often shared memories of her time there.

She met the love of her life, Gerald E. Scott, while working in Washington, D.C. He was a handsome marine working as President Kennedy’s color guard and she a beautiful energetic young working woman embracing the excitement of our nation’s capital. They married on July 27, 1964.

Margaret and Gerald lived in various states throughout their marriage including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, Maine, Tennessee, and Florida. They put down roots in Waterville, Maine and raised four children, Todd, Carole Anne, Timothy, and Joseph. Margaret and Gerald loved to adventure around Maine and would load up the car and head out for the weekend on camping trips or a quick trip to MD. Once their children were grown, they traveled throughout the country, wanderlust inspiring their adventures.

Margaret was a working mom who loved her work. She was an accomplished executive secretary and successfully worked for various local, state, and federal agencies, mostly in the engineering and planning sectors.

She and Gerald were always involved and supportive of their children’s activities and were especially active in the Special Olympics and the Boys Scouts of America. Margaret was an entertainer at heart. She loved to dance, sing, play the piano, and dress with style. She loved being part of the Red Hat Ladies and enjoyed performing at various community centers in Florida.

Her grandchildren were her shining stars, and she treasured them.

Sadly, diabetes and several strokes took her freedom and ability to care for herself. Her light slowly dimmed and after 9 years in a nursing facility, she was ready to go. She is dancing and singing again with her husband of 53 years (deceased 2017) and her son Todd (deceased 2023).

She is survived by her children: Carole A. (Scott) Gartley and her husband Will of Rockport, Maine, Timothy A. Scott and his wife, Sheila (Davenport) of Winter Haven, Florida, Joseph H. Scott and his wife, Beth (Bishop) of Chandler, Arizona; her grandchildren: Taylor (Kate) Gartley, Cameron (Audrey) Gartley, Andrew (Kayla) Scott, Cordelia Scott, Alex Pooler, Vincent Scott, Nicholas Scott; her great grandchildren: Charlie and Oliver Gartley, Blaire, Charlotte, and Hank Scott; brother, Patton (Linda) Roark; sister-in-law Violet (Russell) Scott; dear friend Kathy (Ed-deceased) Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

Per her request, a memory of life will be held down at the river, “Green Bank”, MD. Date to be determined.