Margaret Poulos

FALMOUTH - Margaret Poulos, affectionately known as Gaga to family and Peggy to friends, died peacefully in her home in Falmouth, on Dec. 21, 2017, at 87. She was born in Schenectady, N.Y., on June 5, 1930, to Louis and Helen Cummings Gwinner.

Margaret grew up in Schenectady before taking a bus to Maine to study nursing at Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing Center. After graduating and obtaining her nursing license in Maine, she worked at the Central Maine General Hospital, and later cared for patients at their home and bringing patients to meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Margaret later became a member of the board of the Arnie Hanson Center on India Street, now known as Milestone Recovery. The facility has provided shelter, detoxification, health care and addiction treatment to some of Portland's most vulnerable and underserved people for over five decades.

Margaret married Norman R. Card in 1952 in Lewiston and gave birth to her only child, Kathleen, on Oct. 20, 1953. She later married Richard E. Poulos in Portland in 1959. They met on a blind double date on a boat ride on the Royal River in Yarmouth. Mr. Poulos, a local attorney, bankruptcy judge, and World War II veteran, became the love of her life. The two lived together, not far from the boat yard where they met, until his death in July 2000. Richard helped raise Margaret's daughter, Kathy, and loved her dearly. During their marriage of over 30 years, they traveled to interesting locations all over the world and supported each other through all their personal and professional endeavors.

Margaret enjoyed running, playing tennis, and traveling. She volunteered at Maine Medical Center and the Preble Street Teen Center, spending a great deal of time and energy helping the people in need in the greater Portland area. During her time at the Preble Street Teen Center, she loved her work supporting young people who were experiencing extreme hardships and life challenges.

Margaret was blessed with a wonderful circle of friends and was devoted to her family. One of the greatest joys in her life were her grandchildren, Christopher Poulos and Augustus Minott. She particularly loved learning about Augustus's interest in filmmaking and photography. Margaret was nicknamed Gaga when her grandson, Christopher, exclaimed it as a young child in his attempt to say "Yia Yia," which is Greek for grandmother. The two shared an incredibly special and enduring bond. Margaret was able to witness both of her grandchildren attain sobriety and achieve personal and professional goals through their recovery. We believe that she stuck around on this earth to make sure they were both healthy and happy before moving on.

Margaret was dearly loved and will be sincerely missed. Her spirit remains with us as a guiding light.

Margaret is survived by a daughter, Kathy Card; two grandsons, Christopher Poulos and Gus Minott; brother Louis Gwinner Jr. and sister-in-law Sarah; nieces, Theanna Pateropoulos, Diana Poulos Sanders, Stephanie Poulos Torruella and Terri Gwinner Yenco; and nephews, Greg Poulos, Nick Poulos, Ernest Poulos, John Gwinner and Louis Gwinner.

Margaret's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to David Wakelin, Sarah Smith, Rita Michaud and to the staff at OceanView.

A celebration of her life and memorial service will be private. Arrangements are being handled by

Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, ME.

For further information, to share your memories, and to sign Margaret's guest book, please visit: www.jonesrichbarnes.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

The Preble Street Teen Center

Portland, ME 04103