Margaret Meachem

Margaret Ramsey Meachem died on June 10, 2017 at the age of 95. She was the daughter of Carl & Edith Ramsey, formerly of Dorset, Vermont. She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Margaret was a life-long musician, composer and educator. She graduated from Burr & Burton Seminary, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from Bennington College. She returned to the University of Massachusetts in middle age, where she earned her Master of Music, then went on to the University of Maryland for her PhD in Music Composition. Margaret studied Flute with Marcel Moyse, and Music Composition with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, France. Her proudest achievement, however, was introducing children to the wonders of music. She taught in the Dorset and North Bennington Vermont Public Schools as well as at the Pine Cobble School in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She offered private lessons to children and adults. Second only to music was Margaret's passion for nature and the environment. She lived on and protected Swampacres Sanctuary in Dorset as a wildlife preserve, just as her parents did. She was instrumental in identifying the surrounding watershed as an important wetlands and marsh area. Margaret was active locally with the Vermont Land Trust, and Dorset Citizens for Responsible Growth. It was her fervent hope that the natural resources of Dorset and the surrounding area be preserved for future generations. A private service will be held in the future. The family suggests memorials to Neighbor to Neighbor of Manchester, VT or the Vermont Land Trust. A private service will be held in the future. The family suggests memorials to Neighbor to Neighbor of Manchester, VT or the Vermont Land Trust.