Margaret Lofthouse

1940 - 2025

Margaret Lofthouse

January 13, 1940 - February 4, 2025

Margaret Lofthouse, aged 85, originally from Corinth, N.Y., passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Windsor of Venice Care Center.

Born on January 13, 1940, in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Helen (Murphy) Farrell.

Margaret pursued her undergraduate education in North Creek, N.Y., and Tucson, Ariz., later obtaining her teaching degree from Ithaca College. She furthered her education with a Master's in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh and commenced a distinguished over-25-year career as a third-grade teacher at Corinth Central School.

During this period, she met and married her first husband, Thomas S. Melville, Sr. Margaret strongly believed in the fundamental importance of reading, writing, and education in achieving life goals. Mrs. Melville was recognized for her firm yet fair and compassionate approach to teaching.

Shortly before retiring from Corinth Central School, she wed Gordon Lofthouse in 1992 and divided her time between Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, and Venice, Fla. During this time, she enjoyed extensive cruises with a close group of friends, appreciating the opportunity to explore significant parts of the world. Additionally, she played mahjong, dined out frequently, and was often found watching the news, old movies, and was an avid QVC shopper.

In her later life, she especially cherished spending summers at her camp in upstate New York, surrounded by her family.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Gordon Lofthouse; and siblings: Sheila Arsenault, Joan Miller, Helen Farrell, Michael "Mickey" Farrell, Peter Farrell, Patrick Farrell, and John Timothy Farrell.

She is survived by her children: Margaret (Robert Divins, Jr.) Melville of St. Mary's, Ga., Mary Ellen Melville of Portland, Ore., and Thomas Melville, Jr. of Venice, Fla.; one granddaughter, Kaitlyn Melville of Portland, Ore.; a sister, Nancy Sargent of North Creek, N.Y. and Venice, Fla.; and a brother, Francis Brian Farrell of Indian Lake. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Kathleen M. Farrell, who resided with Margaret for several years.

Visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home in Indian Lake, N.Y., on May 30 from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church on May 31 at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org)

To express online condolences, please visit www.brewermillerfuneralhomes.com.