Wife, Sister, Mother, and Grandmother Margarette “Mike” Ann Archibald’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her death. Mike passed away on the evening of May 1, 2021 at the age of 89, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. It would be wrong to say that Mike lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.
Mike was born to Frank and Pearl Nemecek on November 16, 1931 in Helena, Montana. She always said that her father wanted a boy and thus her name “Mike”. Her younger sister Francis was similarly nicknamed as “Frankie”. She attended schools in Helena at Kessler, Hawthorne and Helena High, graduating in the class of “49ers”. She received a special award for penmanship. It is understandable as she had beautiful cursive. After her brain surgery, she lost that talent and worked hard until she once again could write.
At an early age, she learned to play the piano and accordion. Many Christmas carols were sung around the piano as she played. She was very pleased to tell that she had performed on the Marlow stage in her youth, tap dancing.
Mike started her first job when she was a senior in high school, working part time as a secretary. She studied Business in high school and followed her career in that endeavor. Working for State Government, she worked in office management in Travel Promotion and then as a Licensing Specialist for the Professional Licensing Board.
On August 1, 1949, Mike went on a blind date and met what was to be her future husband, Don. She said that she lost a good friend over the relationship because the friend had wanted the date with Don! They were married on January 3, 1952 in Coeur d Alene. They always had a special day on August 1 to celebrate their time together. She said that her mother-in-law wanted her new husband to finish college and Mike vowed that would happen….and it did.
Mike’s love for dogs came at an early age. Her childhood dog was “Dusty” a cocker spaniel that she described as “a love”. Dogs were always a part of the family and after her children had left and were working on their careers, Mike found her true love of dogs…..Yorkies. Three lucky dogs became her “children”, GiGi, Bo and JJ.
Soroptimist International, Eagles Auxiliary and Red Hats were some of the societies that Mike enjoyed and participated in. She served as President, Past President and Treasurer for Soroptimist as well as chairing on several committees. Mike also went through all the chairs at the Eagles. She loved her time spent in Lake Havasu during the cold Montana winters and visiting relatives in Scotland. Mike enjoyed the cruises, jazz festivals and late night “high jinks” with lifetime friends Don and Cheryl Zollman.
Many afternoons would find Mike with her “card playing girls” playing bridge. It was always a good day if she won “the pot” of money. Her sister and cousins will surely miss the frequent phone calls that kept them all connected.
Mike enjoyed her life and those that surrounded her. At the top of her list are the family and close survivors, the most important being her husband Don Archibald, her knight in shining armor. She is also survived by her two sons and daughter; George “Skip” Archibald (Char), Don Archibald (Kathy), and Vicki Neill (Eric); sister Francis “Frankie” Zuelke; grandchildren Erin Archibald, Kelsey Archibald, Ashley Archibald Downing, Nathan Archibald and Rayce Neill; 12 great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Mike was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. In her book, THE STORY OF A LIFETIME, it was asked “How do you hope to be remembered?” Her answer “I hope to be remembered as a great mom and advisor to my kids. It would be wonderful if you all thought I did a good job.” That you did, mom…that you did!
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 10, 10:00a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave, with a Public Viewing beginning at 9:00a.m. Following the service will be a luncheon, after which a Graveside Committal will take place at 1:00p.m. at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Memorial Donations in Mike’s name can be made to either the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601, or to St. Peter’s Health Hospice, 201 S California St, Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 am to 10:00a.m.
Monday May 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.
Monday May 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Luncheon
11:00a.m. to 12:45pm
Monday May 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00pm
Monday May 10, 2021
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
1900 Williams St
Helena,
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 am to 10:00a.m.
Monday May 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.
Monday May 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Luncheon
11:00a.m. to 12:45pm
Monday May 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00pm
Monday May 10, 2021
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
1900 Williams St
Helena,
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Michael Glueckert says
My sincere condolences to the entire family. So sorry
Tanya Hartman says
I am so sorry for your loss and am just a phone call away if you need anything. Love to you all. I know my dad is watching over us and will help us through this too.
Tanya Hartman
Bev St. Cyr says
I am so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. We were members of Helena Heritage Soroptimist Club together and I have so many fond memories of Mike. I laugh to this day about the story of her walking wearing sun glasses with one of her tiny yorkies in a hospital corridor as she heard a passerby say to her friend “must be a seeing eye dog”. Mike laughed so hard telling the story. Now she has joined many other treasured Soroptimist members including Lee, Leah, Beth, Eldora, Virginia, Thelma, Helen, in heaven for I would imagine a card game or two. I am sorry for your loss. May it help to know that others share your loss and have wonderful memories, too. of Mike.
Renee Pipinich says
My condolences to the family Mike was a wonderful person and a great friend to my mom!
Jim & Jeanie Blow says
Don & Family Our sincere condolences in your great loss. May your happy memories help you thru this sorrowful time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim & Jeanie Blow
Day says
To Don, Kathy, and Family,
Sending along deepest condolences at the loss of your beautiful Mike. She sounds like a really lovely person and we’re sure she will be missed greatly by the whole family. Rejoice in the memories of your life with her and be grateful that she is no longer suffering. Wishing we could have known her.
Love to you and yours,
Cindy and Dennis Day
Sandi Benson says
I met Mike when I became a member of Helena Heritage Soroptimist Club. I have fond memories of those years as we had fun raising money for such wonderful causes. Giving scholarships to women who would otherwise not be able to attend higher education was one. We made making and giving money a fun
enjoyable process. Know the Soroptimist sisters she has joined be comforting. May God bless…
Colleen Teberg says
Vicki, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary, Jim, Anne says
Praying for your healing in this time of sadness from the loss of someone you love so dearly. Find peace in knowing Mike is surrounded with glorious love.
With all our love and prayers
Mary, Jim and Anne Doane
Joe Scanlan says
To all the Family,
Praying for all during this time, I have such fond memories of Mike. There were many adventures, parties and shenanigans for sure with our 2 families . She was like a 2nd mother just across the street for all of us. I am full of sadness but I know she will have a place at the great card game with all the Soroptomists that will be waiting for her, I know my Mother will save her a seat for sure. Sorry for your loss
Joe Scanlan
Jeanne SCANLAN Roske says
Don , Donny,Skip and Vicki I was so sorry to hear of Mikes passing . I have so many memories she was so much of my childhood may god bless you all . 💕🙏
Frank & Karen says
Frank and I send our most sincere condolences. Your entire family is in our thoughts. I always enjoyed seeing Mike when she came to the clinic.
The Rowan’s
Patti Marshall says
Dear Archibald Family- I am so sad to hear of Mikes passing. I have such good memories of times spent with your family. Mike will surely be missed. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Patti (McDonald) Marshall
Jeff Lovely says
Skip, Don and family. I’m so sorry for your loss and wish you comfort during this time of mourning. Be good to yourselves and take good care. God bless you all – Jeff
Patricia Glisson says
Skip and Don: So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I never met her, but she sounds amazing! Take comfort in, and enjoy, your memories! Pat (Rogers)