Margaret “Honi” Glover

1933-2026

Margaret “Honi” Glover, of Hollis, NH, passed away on July 25, 2026. She was born on April 2, 1933, in Hollis, NH, daughter of the late Milton A. and Marion E. (Howe) Glover. Honi was a 1951 graduate of Hollis High School.

She leaves one sister, Mildred F. Pillsbury of Kennebunk, Maine, and was pre-deceased by a brother, Maurice G. Glover, and four sisters: Mabel E. Geddes, Marjorie L. Colby, Olive G. Bernard, and Miriam C. Starrett. She leaves 24 surviving nieces and nephews, and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

As one nephew once described her, “Back in the 50’s she had a pink convertible, drove a big rig, a stock car and rode a Harley.” Honi was a colorful character with many interests, abilities and accomplishments.

Growing up on a farm gave Honi the opportunity to develop many skills, and at a time when the men were off to war, women were able to step into non-traditional occupations. Ever self-sufficient and resourceful, Honi first learned to drive out of necessity – the family well went dry and someone needed to drive down to the spring to fetch a barrel of water. Honi was big enough to reach the pedals of the family’s Model A, so she stepped up to the challenge. Thus began a long career of truck driving. At age 12, she got her first hauling job from Price Lumber Company. She went on to work for Bill Footer and was employed for many years by W. R. Grace, driving 18-wheel chemical tankers. She received Grace’s Safe Driving Award in 1992, recognizing 12 years of safe driving as a professional driver. Honi held a CDL-A license, the highest level, allowing her to drive buses, tankers, and haul hazardous materials on both regional and cross-country routes. In her 70’s, after a brief retirement, she went back to driving, hauling sand, gravel and sawdust locally for Balcom Brothers Trucking. Her professional driving career spanned 60 years, and her love of driving did not end with trucks – she also rode motorcycles, raced stock cars, drove teams of horses, worked as a mechanic, and operated large earth-moving equipment.

Unsatisfied with staying on the ground, Honi’s desire to pilot aircraft led her to take up hot air ballooning. In 1986, at age 53, she bought her first hot air balloon and learned to fly. She perfected her flying skills, eventually obtaining a commercial pilot’s license, and flew her balloon, Amazing Grace, both independently and at balloon rallies around New England, treating her many passengers to a unique experience. On her 80th birthday, in 2013, she was honored as America’s oldest active female balloonist. She continued flying until 2018.

As a third-generation native of Hollis, Honi had a great love of local history and tradition, manifested by her involvement in local organizations dedicated to preserving historical structures and traditions. She served for many years as chair and co-chair of the Hollis Heritage Commission. One of her proudest achievements was helping preserve and resurrect the Lawrence Barn, which now serves as Hollis’ community center. She was also instrumental in reviving Hollis Old Home Days for the town’s 200th anniversary, and served that organization faithfully.

Her community involvement did not stop there. She was a long-time member of the Hollis Seniors, serving as their President 2011-2014. She was devoted to her fellow seniors, “taking care of the old people” (who were probably younger than her), mowing lawns, plowing driveways and delivering meals for those in need. An avid snowmobiler, Honi was instrumental in establishing the Nor’Easters Snowmobile Club of Hollis, and received their Presidential Award, 1972-1973 Season, “Most Sincere and Dedicated Member”.

In 2013, Hollis VFW honored Honi as 2012 Citizen of the Year, recognizing over 50 years of service to the community.

Faith was paramount in Honi’s life. A devout Christian, she was a long-time member of the Christian Bible Church, hosting Bible studies at her home and participating in several mission trips to South America.

A friend to many, always with a ready smile, an encouraging word, a gentle joke, she lived her 93 years with passion, grace, and dignity, and a wonderful sense of humor. She will be dearly missed and remembered.

The family would like to thank the staff at Laurel Place for taking excellent care of Honi during her last year. Their dedication and compassion was greatly appreciated.

SERVICES: A period of visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at Christian Bible Church, 205 Manchester St, Nashua, NH 03064. A funeral service will immediately follow at 10:30 am and burial will follow at 12:00 pm at East Cemetery, 29 Wheeler Rd, Hollis, NH 03049. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Bible Church (205 Manchester Street, Nashua, NH 03064) or Hollis Heritage Commission (Hollis Town Hall, c/o Hollis Heritage Commission, 7 Monument Square, Hollis, NH 03049).