Margaret (Marge) Beck Shandy, age 94, of Helena, passed away September 12, 2021.
Marge was born on August 20, 1927, in Deer Lodge, Montana to Margaret (O’Keefe) Beck and Peter L. Beck. She was the second child of four siblings.
Marge spent her early years living with her family at various ranches at Beck Hill, Helmsville and Finn Valley. She attended school in Finn through the 8th grade. The family moved to Deer Lodge where she attended high school, graduating from Powell County High School with the class of 1945.
On August 9, 1945, Marge married Russell M. Shandy in Butte Montana. Marge and Russ lived in Deer Lodge where Russ worked for the Milwaukee Railroad and Marge worked as a clerk at Safeway, IGA, and the Coast-to-Coast Store. In 1961 they purchased a little ranch on Racetrack Creek where they continued to raise their three children. In 1973, with the family grown and gone, they sold the ranch and moved into Deer Lodge. Between 1973 and 1982 they lived in Challis ID, Havre, MT, and Livingston, Montana. In 1982 they returned to Deer Lodge.
In 1983, Russ passed away and Marge moved to Helena to be near her family. She worked at the Florence Crittenton Home and then as a Senior Companion. In 1998, Marge returned to Deer Lodge where she managed the Meadows Apartments, working until she was 80 years young. In 2009 she once more returned to Helena, due to health reasons.
Marge was always an excellent seamstress. There were always new dresses for holidays, school and proms. She was a wonderful cook who could make a great dinner out of what she had on hand. She enjoyed visits with family and friends, which often turned into a card party or visits with much laughter and stories. She loved raising sheep and had many pet cows and lambs. She was a hard worker, and her laughter was infectious.
The great joy of Marge’s life were her grandchildren, all three generations. They were all “special” and loved by her. She took great pride in teaching them to Indian leg wrestle, fish and play a good game of cards or board game. She also taught them all to laugh and left each generation with many “Grama Marge” stories. In return, they loved her and were very caring and thoughtful of her.
Marge was proceeded in death by her parents, Maggie and Pete, her husband Russ, son Rich, their infant son, brother Charles Beck, sisters Rita Morgan and Helen Hallingstad, her brother in laws, Tom Morgan and Duane Hallingstad, sister in-laws Rhea Beck and Carla Beck, son in-law Pete Horton.
She is survived by her daughters and son in-law, Lin and Jim Quigley and Deb Horton, sister Barbara (Jim) Weis, her 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and her 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who were often in her thoughts.
Until we meet again, we will miss you so much. Thank you!
Services will be held in Deer Lodge at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A graveyard service will follow at Hillcrest cemetery, with a reception to follow at St. Mary’s Hall.
Donations can be made to your local Food Bank in memory of Marge Shandy.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 25, 2021
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Rite of Committal
Following the service
Saturday September 25, 2021
Hillcrest Cemetery
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday September 25, 2021
Saint Mary's Hall
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 25, 2021
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Rite of Committal
Following the service
Saturday September 25, 2021
Hillcrest Cemetery
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday September 25, 2021
Saint Mary's Hall
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Share
Sue Meardon says
Dear Deb, Lin and families,
Our condolences for your loss. It was an honor to meet your mother and although it was a brief time that I knew her she has left me with a forever memory that I am grateful for.
Our prayers are with you -May God bless you during this time.
Ed and Sue Meardon
Barb Marcoux says
Dearest Deb and Lin and all of the family,
Marge was like second Mom to me. Loved and enjoyed her wit and humor always. She was one in a million and we will miss her so much! Sending all of our love and prayers.
Ron Marcoux says
To Marge’s Family – I truly enjoyed my visits with Marge. My regret was I never got to fish wit her. She was always thankful for the perch and walleye fillets and I know she loved them. Remember the many memories and the words of wisdom. She was a Special Lady .
Carol n Joe says
Lin n Deb. Always loved Marge so much. And oh the adventures we had together. I’ll miss those times forever
Carol (Hunt) Doeg says
Dear Deb,
I am deeply sorry to hear that your mom has passed on. It is a blessing when we get to have them with us as long as you, Lin and Cathy and I did. Those extra years enrich our hearts with lasting memories and bonds. One of mom’s often told memories was when your mom and dad stood up for her and my dad, when they got married in Anaconda. They all got a good laugh when the Justice of Peace got mixed up on which couple he was marrying. She will be missed, but remembered fondly. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Vicki Hanson Brester says
Deb,
Very sorry to read about your mom. I had not heard that your dad had passed or Rich. I did know you were in Helena though and have wondered how you have been. It has probably been 50 years. Sending you healing hugs for mom and the other family you have lost.
Vicki Hanson Brester
Laurel
Elaine (Smith) Myles says
Lin, Deb, and All Marge’s Family:
I am so sad about Marge’s passing. My mom, Ada (Jones) Smith, and her knew each other most, if not all, of their lives. I remember times when she would come visit. Usually Mom’s twin Ida would be there too. Soon they would be reminiscing and laughing. They shared a lot of memories through good and bad times. If only I’d written it down, or recorded it. That would have been better! Oh to hear that again. You are right when you say Marge was always young. Such a lively and caring spirit. I regret I won’t be able to attend her memorial service due to another commitment. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I will be and am now praying for you. With Sincere Sympathy.
Annie Beck says
I remember Marge calling me Little Annie Fay. I will remember her laugh and her smile.
Judith F Curtiss says
Debbie, we are so sorry to hear about your mother passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May she rest in peace. With sincere sympathy, Ron & Judy Curtiss, Jerry & Crystal Mero
Marilee Willey and Terry Laperle says
My dear Debbie,
Terry and I send our love and prayers to you and your family. I know how much you loved your Mom and cared for her. Blessings my friend and may the eternal peace of love fill your heart.