Margaret “Margot” Francis (Austin) Moran, 89, died peacefully at Baystate Wing Hospital on June 3, 2025 with her son by her side.  Born November 5, 1935 in Ware, she was the daughter of Dr. Francis and Ann (Costello) Austin of Belchertown.  She was a graduate of Belchertown High School, Class of 1953, Mount Holyoke College, Class of 1957, and the University of Massachusetts, Class of 1965. During her first career, Margot worked as an English teacher at South Hadley High School before becoming an English professor at Westfield State College.  After retirement, she worked as a newspaper writer for The Belchertown Sentinel and then as the scrivener for St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield. 

Margot was a lifelong supporter of UMass Athletics and the New England Patriots.  She was a faithful parishioner of St. Michael’s, a voracious reader of crime fiction, and a whiz at crossword puzzles.  She loved Law & Order, NCIS, Frasier, Jeopardy, and Antiques Roadshow.  Each year, she faithfully watched the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and the Godfather trilogy with a gin martini in hand. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Thomas “Tucker” Moran.  Left to mourn her are her son, Thomas “Darby” Moran, her sister, Ann “Nancy” Pratt, her close confidant, Dawn Ubelaker, three spoiled cats, a hyperactive dog, and many closeknit cousins and dear friends from Massachusetts to Alaska. 

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at St. Michael's Cathedral, 260 State St., Springfield at 10:00 a.m.  Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the church.  The burial will be private.  Calling hours will be on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Beers & Story Funeral Home, 10 Maple St., (Rte. 202), Belchertown.  For those wishing to honor her memory, donations can be made to St. Michael’s or to the Westfield Homeless Cat Project, 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085.