Margaret Garland, former chairwoman of the state Environmental Board, civil libertarian, and aviation pioneer has died. Garland, who was 81, died today at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
Through the 1970s and early 1980s, she served as a member of the Environmental Board and chaired the board on two separate occasions. She was also a land use planner, former president of the Vermont Lung Association and member of the League of Women Voters.
During World War II, Garland was a pilot in the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots program. It was a groundbreaking program that allowed women to fly military aircraft in the United States, freeing men to fly overseas.
The funeral will be private.