Margaret Barnett — a longtime Westporter, and volunteer for countless civic causes — died earlier this month, in the bedroom of her South Compo Road home where she had lived since 1954. She was 103 years old.
A graduate of Barnard College in 1936, where she majored in botany, Margaret married Dr. Roy Barnett in 1941.
She was active in many local organizations, particularly the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and Earthplace (she was a founding member, when it was called the Mid-Fairfield County Youth Museum).
In the 1960s she hosted a weekly classical music show on WNLK radio, “The Norwalk Symphony Hour.”
Margaret Barnett in 2008, age 91.
Margaret was also very active in the successful effort to prevent construction of a nuclear power plant on Cockenoe Island.
She was known as a world traveler, tennis player, birder, a music, art and theater lover, devoted mother and grandmother, and great friend to many.
Margaret is survived by her sons John of Norwalk, and Ted of Rochester, New York, and 4 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband and daughter, Judge Edith Barnett.
She was a Wonderful woman .. Rip Margaret
Given a choice at the Library between manually opening a door or pressing a door-opener button, Margaret always chose the former. That, she observed, was better exercise.
A true lady and an inspiration. I remember many happy times at her home and at the beach.
Such a lovely person! Margaret was always quick with a smile, a kind word and interesting chat. I worked with her for many years at The Nature Center/now Earthplace and she was a joy to know, as was Dr. Roy Barnett. Such good peeps! Godspeed, Margaret!
She was a close friend of my mother, Dorothy Sherman. They both went to Barnard and worked on many projects together.
One of Westports truly lovely lights‼️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💜
The Schefflers lived next door to Margaret and Roy on South Compo for years, and still are in awe of their gentle and welcoming natures, Roy’s jogging on South Compo in all weathers and Margaret’s kind acceptance that wandering children lived next door. And her cookies brought the children back time and again! Thank you Margaret, and Roy, for making our lives better. Westport has lost a meaningful part of its past.