Margaret S. Conti, 88, resident of Milford, NH, died April 7, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Nashua, NH, surrounded by her family.

She was born in New Boston, NH on December 28, 1922, a daughter of John E. and Mary (Fisher) Blanchard.

A resident of Milford for over 80 years, she graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1941 and Nashua Business College, Class of 1942.

Mrs. Conti had been employed as a bookkeeper by various organizations. She also served as treasurer for many local community organizations, most notably as treasurer for the Harley Sanford Post #4368 VFW Ladies Auxiliary, retiring last year after 60 years in that position.

In addition, in the 1940’s, she had worked for Williams & Hussey Corporation, Milford Extension Service and Textron Corporation.

She spent many years as a Sunday School teacher and volunteer in the church and community.

She was an avid Red Sox fan and kept impeccable stats on the team. She enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, gardening, bowling, and crafts. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and was a loving mother, devoted grandmother and great grandmother.

Mrs. Conti took pride in being the family historian. Mrs. Conti was a longtime member of the Milford United Methodist Church and charter member of the Harley Sanford VFW Post #4368 Ladies Auxiliary.

She was predeceased by her husband, George C. Conti, who died in 1989 and her brothers, George “Boxie” Blanchard, and William Blanchard.

Family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Paul B. and Jenny Conti of Amherst, NH; a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Carl Marshall of Litchfield, NH; four grandchildren; Jason & Sarah Marshall and Andrew Marshall, all of Nashua, Brian Conti of Manchester, NH and Lauren Conti of Amherst, NH; three great grandchildren, Gabriella, Luke & Jacob Marshall of Nashua, NH; a sister, Marian Kopp of Milford; several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours are Monday, April 11th from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 am in the Milford United Methodist Church, 327 North River Road, Milford. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Milford, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Joseph Home and Hospice Care, 24 North River Road, Milford, NH 03055 or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.