BERLIN - Margaret A. Houle, 81, of Birchwood Drive passed away Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. Born in Littleton, N.H., on May 26, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Horace and Isabel (Cody) Emmons. Margaret grew up in St. Johnsbury where she attended St. Johnsbury Academy graduating in 1949. She continued her education at Barre City Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1952, and continued her employment there specializing in pediatric nursing. On Feb. 22, 1955, she married Romeo Houle in Barre. The couple made their home in Barre and in Waterbury before moving to Berlin in 1966, where they raised their family. Among her interests were playing bingo, gardening and was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed wintering in Florida; but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Margaret was a strong independent woman taking care of her family and grandchildren and her home. Survivors include her four children, Dawn Rivers and her husband, Todd, of Graniteville; Andrea Erno, of Roxbury; Rebecca Diedrich and her husband, George, of Berlin; and Jay Houle, of Orange. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Richard and Nicholas Diedrich; Chad, Scott and Kristie Erno; Renee Houle; Alexis Piro and Kaylee Jewett. Also surviving is one brother, Horace "Sonny" Emmons, of Sebring, Fla., as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband and one brother, Richard "Buzz" Emmons. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Hope Cemetery in Barre. The Rev. Craig Thompson of the First Baptist Church of Barre will officiate the service. There will be no calling hours. A special thanks to Lauren, Kat and all the other hospice nurses. Contributions in Margaret's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101 or to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. Published in Times Argus from Dec. 15 to Dec. 16, 2011.