TOPSHAM — Margaret Ann Werts, 80, of Topsham, died Nov. 26 after a short illness. 

Werts was born in Portland, N.D., on Oct. 5, 1932. She taught school in her native North Dakota and Montana for 10 years before joining the Department of Defense’s dependent school program. Her travels took her to Goose Bay, Labrador; Ankara, Turkey; Wiesbaden, Germany; Oslo, Norway; and Peshawar, Pakistan. In Peshawar, she met Captain John H. Werts of the U.S. Air Force. They were married Feb. 25, 1965. 

After leaving the dependent school program, Margaret taught special education at Williams-Cone Elementary School in Topsham. She started teaching first grade in 1982 and continued to do so until her retirement in 1998.

She was an avid gardener and quilter. She continued her passion for teaching after retirement by assisting others with their own quilting. She also was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma teaching sorority, and organized scholarships for those in need.

To say that she loved spending time with her grandchildren is an understatement. She was proud to share their accomplishments and antics to everyone who would listen. 

Werts was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Anna Erickson, and her brother, Erling Erickson. 

She is survived by her husband, John, of Topsham; her brother, Don Erickson, and his wife, Ellen, of Grand Forks, N.D.; brother Norm Erickson, of Grinell, Iowa; son Michael Werts and his wife, Laurie, of North Waterboro; granddaughters Anna and Abigail Werts; and countless nieces and nephews throughout the country. 

A service was held at the Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick on Nov. 29. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, c/o Jill Snyder, 6 Bowdoin St., Brunswick, ME 04011.

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Margaret Ann Werts