Margaret J. Cannell

RUTLAND – Margaret J. (Blackmer) Cannell, 73, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with mesothelioma on Saturday, August 17, 2019 with her loving family by her side. Born and raised in Southbridge, MA. Margaret was the daughter of the late Stanley T. and Doris (Ford) Blackmer.

Margaret graduated from Southbridge High School in 1964 and went to work at American Optical in their Safety Division for 12 years. In 1970, she met the love of her life, Philip Cannell of Holden, who had recently arrived home from serving his country in the United States Army. The couple married in 1974 and moved to Rutland where they resided for the following 45 years. Margaret worked part time as an administrative assistant at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Holden and the Holden Municipal Light Department. For the last 20 years Margaret served as the secretary of the Rutland Board of Health retiring in 2009.

She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Rutland and its Sunshine Circle. Other memberships included the Col. Timothy Bigelow Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, the Rutland Lions Club, Rutland Historical Society and American Ancestors. Margaret had numerous interests and hobbies including painting with watercolors and oils, playing the piano, antiquing, caning chairs and refinishing furniture, gardening, photography and many other arts and crafts. Her family has fond memories of summer vacation trips to Vermont, Cape Cod and the Coast of Maine. She was kind and generous, and simply enjoyed being home and spending time with her family and friends.

She will be affectionately remembered and missed by her beloved husband, Philip J. Cannell; her daughter, Elizabeth A. Cannell and her husband, Matthew Lagueux of Rutland; a brother, Douglas Blackmer and his wife, Pauline of Southbridge; a sister, Barbara O’Brien and her husband, Thomas of Southbridge; a brother-in-law, Steve Cannell and his wife, Donna of Rutland; many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Margaret’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, August 21, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 11 am on Thursday, August 22, at the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main St., Rutland. Interment will follow at Rural Cemetery in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543, or Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.