Margaret Elizabeth "Margo" Hodges

Margaret Elizabeth "Margo" (Thornton)  Hodges, 101.

1923-2025

Margaret Elizabeth (Thornton) “Margo” Hodges of Needham, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at the age of 101 in her own home, with her devoted daughter by her side. 

Margo was the beloved daughter of the late Ellen Gay Thornton and John Francis Thornton, and the wife of Claude Russell Hodges for 62 wonderful years.  She is survived by her loving daughter, Pamela G. Hodges of Lexington and her cherished grandchildren, Jonathan Hodges Eskew of Lexington and Nicole Thornton Eskew of Needham.  She was predeceased by her son, Christopher A Hodges and will be greatly missed by many adoring nieces and nephews. 

Born and raised in Woburn, Margo attended Woburn High School before graduating from Katherine Gibbs College in Boston’s Back Bay.  During World War II, she served proudly as a volunteer for the United Service Organization (USO), supporting U.S. troops.  It was during her time working at the Employer’s Liability Assurance Corporation in Boston that she met her future husband, Claude, a British national.  They were married in 1951 and shared a life of love, exploration and shared passions.      

A longtime member of the St. Joseph's Church in Needham, Margo sang for many years in the Choir alongside Claude.  She was also an active member of the Needham Garden Club, the Needham Historical Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), honoring her deep New England roots.

Margo and Claude made their home in the historic Captain James Smith House c. 1727, the second oldest home in Needham.  There, she lovingly restored Empire and Victorian-era furniture and filled their home with warmth, tradition and charm.  Her passion for New England and maritime history, antiques and old books was evident in every detail of her surroundings.   

Her home was the center of family celebrations - Easter egg hunts, Halloween costumes, Christmas cookies, and Fourth of July decorations – each holiday brought to life with joy and care for her beloved grandchildren. 

A master gardener, Margo was known for her green thumb and many “Garden of the Year” awards.  She passed her love of gardening to her daughter and granddaughter.  Her garden was her "happy place", and evenings spent on the patio, planning the next day's plantings and enjoying the breeze, were among her most treasured moments. 

Summers were spent sailing aboard the family yacht, Wind Song, exploring near and distance shores.   The galley was always stocked with crusty loaves of bread, soft cheeses and good wine.  The sea brought her peace, and the gentle rhythm of the water against the hull was a melody she never grew tired of.

Margo was an empathetic listener with a calm presence, and a quiet anchor to those around her.  She was a true gentlewoman - gracious, kind and ever-smiling.  Her warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew her. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham on Friday, April 25 from 9:30 to 10:30. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  A Mass of Christian burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Church, 1360 Highland Avenue, Needham at 11:00.  Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Winchester. 

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