Marguerite (Bugbee) Fisher

BALDWINVILLE - Marguerite Fisher was known for her cheery spirit and willingness to always look on the positive side of life.  When someone around her was having a dark day, she would remind them gently that the sunshine could always be found in their heart.  Describing herself as having been “born with a smile,” she remained open to new opportunities and faced adversity with determination and courage.  In her relationships, she was first and foremost concerned with hearing how a friend was doing and much less interested in talking about herself. After graduating from Skidmore College with a degree in physical education, she went on to become a physical therapist. It was at Shriner's Hospital in Springfield, Mass, where she met and fell in love with Dr. James Fisher, an orthopedic surgeon. The two married at the church by Marguerite’s family cottage in Fairlee, Vt., where they spent every July on glorious Lake Morey with their four children. Marguerite left her children and grandchildren multiple gifts, but perhaps the most treasured would be one she set by example.  She believed reaching out to others with a smile, a helping hand, or word of encouragement was the "glue that holds us together."  She made the best of the world as it presented itself and poured herself with gusto into a multitude of activities.  Marguerite loved raking leaves, shoveling snow, swimming, and rowing. She was passionate about picnics any time of year.  She adored vanilla ice cream topped with her mother’s chocolate sauce, feeding the birds, and summers in Vermont.  She also had a unique fondness for pigs, and collected toy pigs in all shapes and sizes. During her last days, even as she struggled, Marguerite managed one last phone call with her college roommate, Ronnie. It was brief but oh so sweet. "Why Ronnie, we can't always be so down all the time,” she could be overheard remarking. “We must have a little spell of laughing now and then." Her essence bubbled up and out in the most spirited laugh she could muster. Marguerite’s final journey has taken her to a place of peace, eternal love and laughter — and the memory of her optimistic, sunny spirit is an inspiration to everyone who loved her. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. James Fisher, and son Dr. Daniel Fisher. She is survived by her sister, Lucy Atkinson; nieces Sally and Robin, her son Dr. Donald Fisher; her daughters, Marguerite Bissell and Elizabeth Fisher; grandchildren Kyle, Justin, Nathaniel, Jenny, Annie, Ethan and Erin Fisher; and countless others whom she touched with her laughter, smile and fun-loving heart. In her last years, Marguerite experienced the jewel that is Baldwinville Nursing Home. What a gift it was. Her family will be forever grateful to the outstanding circle of caregivers who supported not just Marguerite but the family as a whole. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 17, from 6:30-8:00 PM at Baldwinville Nursing Home, 51 Hospital Road, Baldwinville, Mass. Gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in memory of Marguerite Fisher, to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift or to Baldwinville Nursing Home Activites Fund, P.O. Box 24, Baldwinville, Ma 01436. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskefuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });