CAMDEN — Margaret Elizabeth Gardner-Miller, 98, who was part of “The Greatest Generation”, marked by its resilience through wars, its patriotism and sacrifices, passed away peacefully with her sons at her side, Saturday, October 11, 2025. She was the daughter of Leonard and Una Whitmore Ames, born and raised in Rockport with her siblings Mildred, Leona (Rose), Grandville, and Linda.

She attended school in Rockport and was a High School basketball player. She spent her summers playing and fishing on the ocean shores and working on Vinalhaven and Boothbay Harbor. During World War II, she was a member of the coastal watch, keeping a sharp eye out for German U-Boats off our coastal Maine shores. All while waiting for her love, Roy Gardner, to come home from war. She and Roy married, moved to Warren, and had three children, Nathan, Jackie, and Peter.

She loved her career and lifelong friends she made as an Avon district sales manager for over 20 years. She loved the nature around her, the outdoors, gardening, camping, the crash of ocean waves on the bow of a boat and being surrounded by family. Her spirit and drive was always central in family gatherings throughout the year and especially around the holidays.

After retirement, she and Roy enjoyed a couple years of camping and relaxation. After Roy’s passing, she enjoyed volunteer work in the town and travelling our great country. Several years later she met her second love, Roy Miller. She and Roy enjoyed many adventures and summered every year, fishing at their camp in Chibougamau, Quebec. Sadly, Roy too passed, but Margaret continued on with her passion for life.

As the years and seasons passed, Margaret stayed at the old homestead in Warren, that she and Roy had purchased after the war. She continued socializing with friends and family, playing cards, gardening, and enjoying nature with each sunrise and sunset. She eventually sold the house after 74 years and moved to a more relaxing apartment where “nothing needed to be fixed”.

Margaret is survived by 2 of her siblings, all 3 of her children, 3 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Margaret’s family has chosen to remember her life privately.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Margaret’s family please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.