Obituary of Margaret E. Schofield

Margaret E. Schofield of Higganum, formerly a long time resident of Essex, CT, passed peacefully on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2020. With the support of her family, friends and the helpful staff of Middlesex Health, Margaret spent her final days surrounded by many who loved her. She kept her true spirit of gratitude and happiness every step of the way. Margaret is survived by her son, Stephen Schofield of Norwich, CT, and daughters Susan Schofield Lowry of Keene, NH, Lynley Schofield Maher and Lisa Schofield Robinson, both of Higganum, CT. Also surviving are son-in-law John Lowry and 12 grandchildren; Oscar, Max, Owen, Gus, Anaka, Malakai, Aiden, Braedon, Griffin, Tyler, Margaret and Cody. She is survived by siblings from Michigan including Mary Gurd of Hastings, Barbara Critz (Bob) of Mendon, Catherine Ellis (Alma) of Kalamazoo, and Will Ellis (Shirley) of Chelsea, and Jim Ellis (Patsy) of Grafton, VT. She is also survived by her partner R. William Bevan of Centerbrook, CT. Margaret was born on June 24, 1940 in Miami, Florida and then moved as a child to a small farm outside of Hastings, MI. She started school at age 4 in a two-room country schoolhouse in Dowling, MI, graduated from Hastings High School at 16 and then Western Michigan University at 20. Upon graduation, she moved to Connecticut to become an elementary school teacher. She soon met Marshall Schofield, who became her husband of 49 years until his death in 2011. Margaret started a daycare for children in her home and then in 1980 founded The Children’s House in Centerbrook, followed by the Clubhouse within the Essex Elementary School. She helped raise an untold number of the children in the Essex region, influencing the lives of countless families. Her work in early childhood education resulted in a role as consultant to many organizations including the State of Connecticut and eventually three terms of service with the International Executive Service Corps in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia in 1995-96. In “retirement” she played a key role in establishing the Early Childhood Council of Essex-Deep River-Chester, and helped to expand the Shoreline Food Pantry. She was a woman of strong faith, and an active participant in St. John's Episcopal Church in Essex. Margaret left a touch of love and inspiration everywhere she went. She always searched for ways to expand her role in giving to others, and found great joy by planning menus and preparing food for friends and family. The Celebration of Life Service that was scheduled on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 2:00PM at St. John's Episcopal Church on Main Street in Essex has been cancelled. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Early Childhood Council Scholarship Fund or The Shoreline Food Pantry. To share a memory of Margaret, or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.