Margaret M. Lyle

Born in Sunderland, England, Margaret brought her warmth, resilience, and strong sense of family across the ocean to raise the five Dorgan children after their mother's death. While she remained proud of her English roots, Scituate became the town she loved deeply and served faithfully.

Margaret was a woman defined not by titles, but by action. She was a nanny, a mother, a neighbor, and a steadfast friend to many. Her home was a place of comfort and constancy — filled with home-cooked meals, freshly baked goods, and hand-sewn first-day-of-school outfits. Through times of joy and times of hardship, Margaret was the anchor of her family.

Margaret devoted herself to caring for her children and grandchildren, always putting their needs before her own. She found deep purpose in raising and nurturing not only her own family but also many children in the community who were fortunate enough to be in her care.

Her generosity extended far beyond her home. Margaret volunteered actively at St. Mary’s in Scituate and supported numerous community organizations, including Pine Street Inn and Sunset Point Camp in Hull. She believed strongly in helping others and did so quietly, without seeking recognition.

In 2006, Margaret was honored as Scituate’s Citizen of the Year — an award that surprised her, but surprised no one who knew her. Those closest to her understood that her kindness, humility, and tireless service made her more than deserving of the recognition.

Margaret treasured her family above all else. She maintained close ties to her loved ones in England while building a wide circle of dear friends and neighbors in Scituate.

She is survived by her children, Thomas Dorgan and fiancée Beth, William Dorgan and wife Elizabeth, Susan LaFlamme and husband Gerald, Ellen Dorgan and husband Neal, her grandchildren, Lyle Dorgan, Kevin Dorgan, Alexandria LaFlamme, Sarah Dorgan, and Mary Ann Dorgan, great grandchildren Bailee, Cody and Lyle jr., her sister-in-law Sally Lyle and brother-in-law Michael Hodgson, along with several nieces and nephews in England. She was predeceased by Margaret (Maggie) Dorgan, her brother Dennis Lyle, and her sister Kathleen Hodgson.

She will be remembered for her gentle strength, her generous spirit, her humility, and the countless quiet acts of love that shaped the lives of so many. Margaret’s legacy lives on in the family she raised, the community she strengthened, and the kindness she modeled every day.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visiting hours will be held at Richardson Gaffey Funeral Home on Monday, February 16, from 4-7 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Scituate on Tuesday, February 17, at 10 am.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of, flowers, donations may be made in Margaret’s memory to the Scituate Food Pantry, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others.