“Vibrant” is the first word that comes to mind as I recall Margaret Lane, then “dynamic,” “charismatic,” “and “warm-hearted.” Tall and beautiful, with enviable red curls, she was a commanding presence whenever she entered a room. Margaret was an extraordinary, memorable person, as remarkable inside as in appearance—intelligent, perceptive, kind, empathetic, and dedicated—with a cheeky sense of humor that lit up her blue eyes and created a throaty, contagious laugh.
Margaret Lane first volunteered in WIVES, the precursor of today’s WBGFN, then joined the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Board in 1986 during its early, formative years, serving until 2005. Fundraisers were her forte, from the first balls and raffles to the International Arts and Crafts Fair. I had the great pleasure of working with her from 1996 to 2001 as president of the board, and came to depend on her great common sense, instinctive understanding of the board’s responsibilities, and warmth and goodness. She opened her home to grantees when the Fund still invited recipients to Washington, DC., sharing her memory of her houseguests in MMEG’s October 2021 40th Anniversary video. As it turned out, her visitors followed the same religion and sang hymns to her as she provided meals and hospitality for them. Margaret confided at the time that the guests recognized each other’s faith because neither wore jewelry.
Some may remember that she was a mainstay in the British Embassy Players, a talented group that occasionally put on an old-time rollicking Music Hall Show at the World Bank along with dramatic performances in other venues. One of her last roles was Mrs. Higgins in Shaw’s Pygmalion. She led an active social life with her many friends, sharing enthusiasm for the arts in salons and home concerts. In her professional life, she was a gifted massage therapist, receiving many compliments for her sensitivity to an individual’s condition.
Margaret’s husband, Jeremy, predeceased her, and she is survived by her children, Nicola and Stephen, and their children, whom Margaret cherished. MMEG extends its heartfelt sympathy to them, and to all her family and friends. Many will mourn her loss, myself among them, but rejoice that we had the good fortune she touched our lives and left a treasured gift of delightful, colorful memories.
Priscilla Linn, January 4, 2022
