Margaret D. Conover died on April 8 at age 94, generous and resilient to her last breath.

The daughter of Genevive Rust and Bradford Darrach, Margaret was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on Feb. 14, 1913.

She spent her childhood summers in Madison, Conn., with sisters Mary and Ann, and cousin Jane Bannerman. Margaret later moved to New York city where she met her husband Richard (Dick). After marrying in 1951, they settled in West Hartford, Conn., in 1953, where Dick worked for Pratt and Whitney, and they raised their two sons, Richard Jr. and Bradford.

After a stay at the Phinney farm in the mid-1950s, Margaret and Dick discovered Chappaquiddick. Since 1957, the Conover house on Chappaquiddick has been a summer refuge to many friends and an extended family, including Margaretߣs surviving cousins, Jane and Ann Bannerman, and nieces and nephews Cheryl Garrett, Keith, Brad, Marg and Ann Rodney, Tom, Bob and Susan Rush and their families.

Margaretߣs son Richard settled in West Tisbury with his wife, Veronica, and children Richard Jr. and Madeline. Her son Bradford resides in New York city and Chappaquiddick.

Margaret suffered a stroke in 1991. A year later, Dick died. After a returning to live in New York city for several years and then in West Tisbury, in 2000 Margaret moved to the assisted living home Long Hill in Edgartown. The family is greatly appreciative to the entire staff at Long Hill, where Margaret spent her last seven years, and is particularly thankful for the unwavering commitment of Elizabeth Sandland and Nancy Nevin.

Although Margaret came of age during the Depression and did not attend college, she was a voracious reader with a profound interest in human psychology, theatre, and the arts. When she challenged conventional thinking, often on issues of religion, civil rights, war and peace, it was usually in her kitchen and accompanied by her wonderful cooking.

Margaretߣs enthusiasm for life, love of learning, nurturing spirit, and commitment to issues of social justice were contagious and continue to inspire many. In accord, donations may be made to a gift registry in her name at Heifer International (heifer.org) or other charitable organization of your choice. A celebration of her life is planned for later this summer.

Arrangements are being handled by Chapman, Cole and Gleason in Oak Bluffs.