Margaret A. Broker

Portsmouth, RI - Margaret A. Watkinson Broker, 86, of Portsmouth, RI, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 7, 2012.Born in Fall River, MA on February 13, 1925, she was the daughter of the late William A. and Catherine Tobin Watkinson.She is preceded in death by her long time, loving companion Ret. Deputy Chief John Mack McIntyre, and her three brothers, Dr. William A. Watkinson, John Watkinson and Richard Watkinson.Mrs. Broker, Peggy to her many friends, worked for General Electric for 18 years. When GE shut down its Newport facilities, leaving many workers close to retirement and without jobs, she took classes and studied to then find employment as a secretary, traveling to Blue Cross in Providence for 5 years where she finally retired.It was impossible for anyone who knew her not to be drawn to her with a love. And her capacity to love old and new friends was even greater. Mack and Peggy enjoyed the company of their long time friends in the Fighting Five, mostly wives and friends of firefighters from Newport Fire Department station number five.She loved to laugh, dance, to make beautiful Irish knit sweaters, cook, travel, shop, and read. She loved Fall River-style chicken chow mein. Characteristic of her Irish blood, besides a fine sense of humor, she was very politically wise and opinionated and quick to defend those mistreated in our world. She was a strong, loving mother who loved life. Even in her final years when age and illness were clouding her senses, a neurologist, testing her sensorium, asked her to write something on a piece of paper. She did and handed it back to him. It read, Be joyful.She will be greatly missed.She is survived by her son Joseph G. Broker of Newport, RI and daughter Carol A. Broker and her husband Jeremy Rauschert of Portsmouth, RI. She is also survived by 3 nephews and a niece.Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, from 11:30AM to 1:00PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.Her service will follow at 1:00PM in the funeral home.Burial will be in Middletown Cemetery, Turner and Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI.In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Newport Rescue Wagon Fund, 21 W. Marlborough Street, Newport, RI 02840 or to the Visiting Nurse Services Hospice Care of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.