On February 23, 2016, Margaret Ann Jacobson flew off to be one of the sunbeams flitting through the sky. Margaret was born on March 4th, 1960 in Pomona, California to her parents Howard and Dorothy Jacobson the 7th in a family of nine children. Margaret was always a free spirit, known for her sense of fun and whacky sense of humor. As a High School student in Laguna Beach she excelled in volleyball. In her youth, she spent summers in Missoula and Polson with her family and returned there after graduation to rejoin family members. She joined volleyball and rugby clubs and acquired many friends.
Margaret married John Stevenson, learned to kayak, telemark and golf and worked at various jobs in Missoula. They later divorced.
She then enlisted in the U S Army, trained in respiratory therapy and served in a clinic in Giessen, Germany. While in Europe she traveled, took up bodybuilding and, yes, made more lifelong friends.
Returning to the states, she worked in Waco Texas where she met Randy Merrick. Together they have a beautiful daughter, Hannah, who was the light of Margaret’s life. Randy and Margaret later separated but remain friends.
Hearing Montana call once again, Margaret returned with Hannah and began working as a respiratory therapist first in Missoula and then in Helena, where she put down roots. In Helena, Margaret worked for St Pete’s, for Home Oxygen and then for the VA at Fort Harrison as a sleep specialist.
Margaret was a magnet that attracted a large, eclectic group of friends who became her support group as she battled ALS.
As a friend said so eloquently of her: “This world and the people who loved you are going to miss your light, your laughter, your wisdom, and your grace. You took on ALS like a warrior and you confounded it by laughing in its face and not succumbing to misery or self-pity. You were a daunting opponent.”
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Dorothy, and two brothers David and Paul. She is survived by her beautiful daughter Hannah Jane Merrick, her brothers Randy Jacobson, Carl (Louise) Jacobson, John (Nadja) Jacobson and Jim (Tamara) Jacobson, sisters Nancy (George) Hirschenberger, Valerie Petersen (Tom Heyes), half-sister Laura (Nate) Shaw, and sisters-in-law Chrissy Jacobson and Barb Jacobson. She also leaves close friends and love/care attendant Michelle Kingston and innumerable friends that became extended family.
A birthday celebration was planned to celebrate Margaret’s 56th at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th at 2522 McHugh Drive. That gathering will still be held, although the guest of honor shall be there in spirit only. Such a spirit will truly be felt. Memorials in Margaret’s name can be made in to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter 19226 66th Ave S #L-105 Kent, WA 98032.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday March 5, 2016
2522 McHugh Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday March 5, 2016
2522 McHugh Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kaye Poston says
Such a beautiful heart, beautiful spirit and beautiful person, Margaret, you will be missed. As the mom of Sandra’s dear friend, you were a guiding light in Sandra’s life during those teenage years. I had so much fun on our ski day at Great Divide all those years ago!
Karen Buley says
Nancy, Val and all,
So sorry to learn of the loss of your sweet Margaret. May her light beam down and bathe you in happy memories.
Sandy (Conway) Smith says
I am going to miss Margaret’s laughter…she was always laughing. I met Margaret in 4th grade and all these childhood memories keep flooding through my mind. Four inseparable friends: Margaret, Ana, Susan, and Sandy. We will miss you so much!
Pam Hillery says
I met Margaret and her sister at an ALS workshop. Such a memorable person! To my surprise, I met her again in Havre as she is Julia’s great aunt, and my son and Julia worked together at Murphy’s. Again, I was so impressed by her spirit. We are both children of 1960…and she lived an exciting, interesting life. Her legacy will live on and on. Rest easy, Margaret.
The Harvey Family says
To the family of Margaret Jacobson and especially Hannah, We are so sorry to hear that after such a courageous battle Margaret has passed away. Our daughter has been a close friend of Hannah’s since kindergarten and our hearts and prayers go out to you. Hannah, your mom as well as yourself have been an inspiration to our family with the grace you fought this together. We are always here for you.
Stacia Graham says
I met Margaret in 1980 or so when she took my first-year Latin class. She was so joyful. No matter what life handed her she took it and threw it back 4-fold. It’s difficult to imagine a world without Margaret. Travel lightly lady.
Siobhan Hathhorn says
I was Hannah’s third grade teacher. Both Margaret and Hannah’s zest for life made a big statement, and I think of both of them often. Margaret had the type of energy that made it seem she would live forever. I guess she just got her life’s work done more quickly than the rest of us.
Hannah, everyone at Broadwater still has your back. Come visit if you like…..
Elizabeth Gajda says
My husband and I served with Margaret in the Army at the 24th General Dispensary in Giessen, Germany. I remember Margaret being a free spirit, and always with a smile on her face.