Margot Michel Karbel

Margot Karbel, 78, of Chatham and formerly of Wellesley, passed away on Tuesday, September 12th. Loving mother to Brian Karbel and Joanna Karbel, grandmother to Aiden and Nora Karbel, sister to John Michel, cousin to Christy Lauridsen and dear friend to countless members of Chatham, Wellesley and well beyond.

Margot was born in Silver Spring, Maryland to the late Nicholas and Margaret Michel. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and worked as a computer programmer after graduating, first for the government and then at a financial services firm in Boston. When her kids were still young, she stopped working to take care of them full time, attending so many soccer games, dance recitals and co-leading Joanna’s girl scout troop. As her kids grew, she went back to work, this time opening a full-time home daycare out of her house in Wellesley. She found tremendous joy and pride in taking care of the day care kids and interacting with their parents and told stories about those experiences long after she retired.

Margot worked hard all year long to be able to spend as much time as possible over the summer in her beloved Chatham home, which eventually became her full-time home following her retirement after 20 years running her home daycare. Of all the cities and towns that she lived in, which include Annapolis, Washington DC and New York City before Wellesley, Chatham was her clear favorite. A lover of the sea from childhood, being close to the ocean was where she felt most at home.

In retirement, Margot became a vibrant member of the Chatham community and was considered a close friend to so many. Whether going for a walk, sitting on the beach, or going out to dinner, she was always ready to spend time out with friends. Her love for music was contagious and she and her friends loved to see their favorite local bands often. She also sang with the Chatham Chorale, a group which she adored being a part of.

Margot will be remembered as a lover of life who rarely said no to an experience. She was so proud of her kids and instilled this same love for music and the ocean in them. She loved and adored her grandkids, who will miss their visits as well as Facetime chats with Gram. She was a very dear friend to the Caggiano family, and the holidays will not be the same without her.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 11AM at the First Congregational Church of Chatham, 650 Main Street, Chatham, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your favorite charity or to the Chatham Chorale in her memory. Chatham Chorale, P.O. Box 1111, Dennis, MA 02670, or online at https://chathamchorale.org.