Margaret Ann Sammick, died on June 6, 2011 of cardiac problems in Cooney Convalescent Home where she has resided for almost four years. She was born on Nov. 4, 1918 in Livingston, MT where she described a very happy childhood. Her work experiences took her to many other states but she chose Helena as home for the past 37 years.
When she retired from the nursing faculty at Carroll College in 1981, she had spent over 40 years as a Registered Nurse, specializing in psychiatric nursing as a teacher/administrator. In 1941, she received a Bachelor of Science from St. Mary College in Leavenworth, KS, took graduate courses at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT in 1961, and earned a Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Colorado, Denver.
After teaching at hospital schools of nursing in Galveston, TX and later in Aberdeen, SD she joined the Army Nurse Corp with the rank of Second Lieutenant. She was assigned to the 224th General Hospital Unit which left the United States in December 1944 aboard the Queen Mary. The unit was stationed in England, France, and the Philippines during which time she was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Following her military service, she held teaching positions at St. Vincent’s in Billings, MT, Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Clinic in San Francisco, CA and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In Michigan, she started as an instructor for both graduate and undergraduate psychiatric nursing programs and later became Director of the Graduate Program and received the rank of Professor. In 1974, she returned home to teach at Montana State University and Carroll College.
Traveling with friends and reading were her main hobbies along with her love of animals, especially cats. She was active in professional organizations and enjoyed many years as a member of the Fortnightly Book Club. She will be remembered for her gracious, calm, patient, manner, her concern for the mentally ill, and her ability to accept major life changes.
Preceding her in death were her parents, George and Julia Hannah Getsie Sammick; and her sister and brother-in-law, Lois (Halsey) Blair. Survivors include her nephew, Don (Merapio) Blair of Rockville, MD; niece, Lisa (Sid) Theil of Sherwood, OR; four great-nephews, Ian and Joshua Blair and Bryan and Brandon Theil; three great-great-nephews; and special caretaker friends, Dollie Gilbert and Mary Munger of Helena.
A Viewing will be 1:30 p.m. with a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 13th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave. in Helena, MT. A reception will be at the church immediately following the Mass. Burial will be 1:00 p.m. the following day, Tuesday, June 14th at Calvary Cemetery in Livingston. Margaret’s choice for memorials are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Jacke Stoeckel says
Butch Plowman passed Margarets passing on to those of us who live in the Sunlight townhomes area. I feel especially connected as i am living in Margarets former condo. I did not know her but somehow i know that i would have liked her. We share similiar human service careers and a love for animals. All of my pets are shelter animals. two kitties were adopted from L and C humane society over a year ago and i continue to foster those kitties from LandC while they find them a forever home. My sympathy is with you and your family. I hear she was a wonderful person and the group talks about her fondly. I guess i have quite a mentor to follow.
Jackie Stoeckel
Rose Flores says
Dear sweet Margaret! I took care of her when I did work at Cooney a few years ago. She was such a sweet lady! I grew quite fond of her. Her any my grandmother, Dorothy Flynn were close friends and were in her writing club together. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with your family