Margolia "Margie" N. Gilson

Margolia Neidra Cohen Gilson was born in Claremont, NH, a second generation American. Her father said that when she was born, she was so tiny he could hold her in one hand. Her family moved to Keene, NH a few years later when her father, Abraham Cohen, left the employment of his cousins (Foster Beef of Manchester) to start his own butcher business, Cheshire Beef. Her mother, Deborah “Dolly” (Grevior) Cohen, lived in Keene for the rest of her life, until Dolly died at age 103, the last survivor of 10 children. Soon after moving to Keene, Margolia’s younger brother, Eddie, was born.

Margie, as she was known, was a bright child. Her family encouraged her in academics, and she was proud of her awards and achievements. She was also an accomplished artist, who loved to draw, paint and sculpt. The summer before her senior year of high school, Margie had an internship at the prestigious Jackson Laboratories in Maine. She got into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and majored in Biology after being unable to handle the math associated with her first choice, meteorology.

In the early 1950s when Margie went to MIT, there were only 55 women. In that era, only one in twenty completed their undergraduate degree; most dropped out to get married. Coming from a family of strong, independent women, Margie graduated MIT in 1956. She later earned a Master's in Education from American International College, and used it to teach biology to nurses and, later, to substitute as a science teacher in the Lexington, MA public schools.

While in her junior year at MIT, Margie met Lloyd Gilson, and they were married on September 30, 1956. Lloyd was the eldest son of a well-known Brockton, MA family who owned the Wabash Candy factory. He said when they got married, her waist was so thin he could put his hands around it and have his fingers touch. He was also a foot taller than her. Shortly after marriage, they did a short stint in Alabama as Lloyd had to do officer training following ROTC. Lieutenant Gilson was discharged after 6 months when his father died in May, 1957. They were quite glad to leave the military and their tiny house in Alabama behind, with its copperheads under the porch.

Lloyd and Margie settled in Springfield, MA, where he worked for Monsanto, and she, for Baker Chemical. As was common in that era, Margie quit when her son, Steven, was born (prematurely) in October, 1958. A daughter, Elisa, followed in February, 1962. In 1967, the family moved to Lexington, MA. Lloyd died in August, 1990, while on vacation with Margie. Margie later remarried to Leo Neumann of Lexington, who died a few years later. They spent their winters in West Palm Beach, FL.

In addition to her substitute teaching, Margie worked for Lincoln Laboratories at Hanscom Air Force base. She also served as the secretary for her MIT class for 25 years, and worked with the League of Women Voters. And after retiring from Lincoln Labs, she began a business making her own jewelry, Margo’s. She lived independently until her death, although she did employ a driver for her last couple of years.

Margolia is survived by her children, Dr. Steven M. Gilson of Plantation, FL, and Elisa “Lisa” Hertel of Andover, MA; her five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Graveside Service is Wednesday, August 14th at 10:00am at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, to be followed by calling hours at Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Rd., Lexington.