NORTHFIELD - Margaret Fortier Provost, of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, surrounded by her loving family. Margaret was born on July 11, 1929, in Barre, the daughter of the late Philomon and Marieanna Fortier. She was a 1947 graduate of Spaulding High School and upon graduation, worked at Green Mount Power for many years. On Aug. 9, 1952, she married Gene Provost of Northfield. Married for 64 years, Margaret and Gene raised their five children in Northfield where Margaret was a dedicated homemaker and made a valuable contribution to the family business, Provost Auto Mart. She was a faithful parishioner of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Throughout her life, Margaret maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her home was always a welcoming place for family and friends. Margaret's greatest joy was her family for whom she fostered the importance of faith, traditions and the zest for life. She always loved her summers at the family cottage in Mallett's Bay, where she marveled at the beautiful sunsets and she enjoyed spending winters in Venice, FL, with treasured friends. She will be greatly missed but there is no doubt she taught us to live, laugh and love. Margaret is survived by her husband, Gene; her children and their spouses, Karen (Chuck) Bedell of Hollis, NH, Mark (Kathryn) Provost of Montpelier, Kim (Peter) MacDonald of Newington, NH, Kathy (Michael) Ward of Hookset, NH, and Michael (Heather) Provost of South Burlington; her 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Becky) Bedell, Eric Bedell, Christopher MacDonald, Jennifer Provost, Matthew Provost, Hayden Provost, Kelly MacDonald, Sam Ward, Caroline Provost and Joseph Ward, and one great-granddaughter, Ainsley Bedell; her sisters, Theresa Grenier and Lucille Quesnel, and brother Maurice Fortier (Dottie); her sister-in-law, Jackie Provost O'Hern; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Laurette Buswell; brothers-in-law Robert O'Hern, Donald Provost, Roy Buswell, Richard Provost; and sister-in-law Jackie Provost. There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at noon at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 206 Vine St., Northfield. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Margaret's memory may be made to Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 206 Vine St., Northfield, VT 05663; or the Foundation for Thymic Cancer Research, 13634 Cambria Bay Lane, Delray Beach, FL 33446, a foundation that was near and dear to her heart.