Margaret Monta Dunham died December 2, 2012 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a long bout with lung cancer. She was born on July 6, 1932 in Burlington Vermont to Harley C. and Ada M. Monta. She grew up in Colchester, Vermont, attending high school in Burlington, VT and college at the University of Vermont. One sibling, Shirley Casavant of Harford, CT. survives and 3 siblings predeceased her – Harlene C. Monta, Thelma M. Wright and Robert M. Monta. She taught high school in Barre, Vermont after graduating from college. She later worked at the University of Maine music department, and spent several years with the Office of Public Instruction in Helena, MT.
On June 14, 1958 she married Paul C. Dunham in Colchester, Vermont. She is survived by two children and four grandchildren. Bruce M. Dunham and his wife Diane M. Dunham live in Ithaca, New York with their children Audrey M. Dunham and Emilie T. Dunham. Barbara H. Dunham and her partner Kathleen Dougherty live in Otisfield, Maine with their children Finnegan D. Dunham and Gwendolyn D. Dunham. Margaret lived in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before relocating to Helena, MT in 1976.
She was a member of several homemaker groups in Helena and spent a lot of nights square and round dancing at dance halls around the state. Margaret enjoyed shopping for clothes and kept her family well dressed. She was fond of many places such as Chico Hot Springs near Yellowstone and houses along the coast of Maine where she and her family spent many vacations. Margaret was an excellent cook and baker, and we always looked forward to holidays for delicious cakes, pies, and peanut butter cookies. She was a loyal democrat and rejoiced with the election of Barack Obama.
A social gathering celebrating Margaret’s life will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday, December 10, 2012 in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in Margaret’s name can be made to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Thanks to the great doctors and nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital and the Hospice of St. Peter’s who made her final days comfortable.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday December 10, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Inurnment
1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Monday December 10, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison
Heros Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday December 10, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Inurnment
1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Monday December 10, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison
Heros Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
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Del Harris says
Margaret put up a gallant fight against the big C. Now she’s without pain or suffering and at peace. She always looked beautifully dressed, happy with life and warm to all. I’ll think of you with kind and smiling memories. Del
Lynne Hawkins says
She fought a long hard battle and it seemed that she always did it on her own terms and fought as hard as she could. I will always admire her strength and courage. She was so kind and generous and always so good to my mother who is going to miss her so much. I am so gald we were all able to gather as a family a few years back in New York to celebrate Marg and Paul’s 50th Anniversary. It was special that the three remaining Monta girls could be together for what would be tha last time. The wonderful memories we all have of Aunt Marg will remain with us forever. Love to Uncle Paul, Barb, Bruce and their families.
glenn bailey says
Paul we are sorry for your loss but Margaret is in a better place and in not suffering
any more. God bless you and your family.