Margaret Morrison Surtees

1940 - 2025

Margaret Morrison Surtees (née Watson), of Merrimack, New Hampshire, passed away on August 30, 2025, at the age of 85. Born July 2, 1940, in Paddington, Sydney, Australia to Richard and Margaret Watson, Margaret’s life was marked by deep devotion to her family, her faith, and the joy she found in bringing people together.

Margaret is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert Surtees. Together they moved from Australia to America in the late 1960s, making a life for themselves in a new country where they remained for the entirety of their marriage. Margaret was a faithful and constant companion to Robert. She loved and cared for him all her days, even to her last breath. She was unwavering in her care and comfort of him.

Margaret was the cherished mother of three sons: Michael Surtees and his wife Patricia; Geoffrey Surtees and his wife Rosalie; and Anthony Surtees and his wife Rachel.

Her legacy continues through her sixteen grandchildren: Ezra Surtees and his wife Asuka; Trevor Surtees and his wife Candice; John Paul Surtees; Colin Surtees; Noah Surtees; Eleanor Rits and her husband Isaac; William Surtees; Margaret Surtees; Amanda Surtees; Jackson Surtees; Charles Surtees; Mary Thérèse Surtees; Tessa Surtees; Jacob Surtees; Clara Surtees; and Calvin Surtees. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren—Micah Surtees, Sakura Surtees, Isaac Surtees, Akari Surtees, and Asher Surtees—and eagerly anticipated the arrival of two more great-grandchildren in 2026.

Margaret is also remembered with love by her Australian siblings: David Watson, George Watson, and Annette Heriot, and her many Aussie nieces and nephews.

Dear family friend Dr. Stuart Blackwood survives Margaret as well. Her family is profoundly grateful to Dr. Blackwood, his constant companionship to Robert and Margaret, and that he was by her side in her final moments.

A member of Nashua Baptist Church for decades, Margaret was devoted in her faith. Alongside Robert, she was deeply involved in the church community. While she deeply missed her family in Australia, she was given a new family at Nashua Baptist Church who shared life with her. She was blessed with so many dear friends over so many years.

Margaret had a gift for creating community wherever she went. She was happiest when hosting gatherings for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion that brought loved ones together under one roof. Her home was always filled with laughter, delicious food, and the comforting presence of family traditions. A long-time travel agent, she also found joy in traveling internationally with Robert—exploring new places hand-in-hand. When home, she could often be found tending lovingly to her garden of flowers and herbs.

Margaret’s life was one of grace, generosity, and steadfast love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 6pm at Nashua Baptist Church, 555 Broad St., Nashua, NH 03063.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nashua Baptist Church, her church family for almost 50 years.