Fowler, Margie L.
Margie Lynn (Johnson) Fowler was born in in Deer Lodge, MT to Lewis and Marvel Johnson December 13, 1940.
She passed away at the age of 71 on July 26, 2012 from complications of kidney and heart disease.
Margie grew up on the family ranch playing with cousins and nearby friends, riding horses, involved in 4-H projects, doing farm chores, learning to play the piano, and participating in Rainbow. While in high school she began teaching piano. She graduated from Powel Country high school 1959 and then attended the University on Montana where she met her husband, Boyce Fowler, and was married June 10, 1962 in Deer Lodge after their junior year. They graduated on their first anniversary in 1963, with Margie getting a Bachelor of Music in vocal and piano performance. She was a coloratura soprano, and the first major vocal soloist to perform with the Helena Symphony and Chorale when it started in 1966 and a soloist several times later. Margie taught piano for 50 years in Missoula, Deer Lodge, Billings, and Helena to over 1,200 students. Two of her students were winners in statewide piano competitions and some of her students continued piano for professional degrees and became private piano teachers.
As pianist and vocalist she played and sang in a dance combo with Boyce as well as many events in which they performed within their communities. Margie sang for many weddings, funerals, and special occasion programs. She was a soloist with community choirs in Deer Lodge, Billings, and Helena, the Sweet Adeline’s, 40 years in church choirs, Symphony Chorales of Billings, Missoula, and 30 plus years with the Helena Symphony Chorale. Music was her life. She has been the past President of the Billings and Helena Music Teachers Association, AA Chapter of PEO, Past Matron of Miriam Chapter #1 OES, and Past Nile Queen of Sapphira Temple #79.
Margie is survived by her husband, Boyce, of 50 years; daughters, Koket (Jason) Troglia, Julie Fowler and grandsons Darby and Jessie; her brother Ted (Candy) Johnson, Deer Lodge, his daughter Marcie (Jeff) Rahm, and his son Marty (Cathy) Johnson. She has brother’s-in-law which includes Leo (Bernita) Fowler,Bruce(Gene)Fowler, Lloyd (Delane) Fowler, Helena; Cousins Tim Johnson, Doris (Jim) Powell and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Marvel (Smollock) and Lewis Johnson.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 31 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 S. Oaks, where she was a member since 1966. Burial will be at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Plymouth Church; 400 S. Oaks, Helena, MT 59601; Helena Music Teachers Association, c/o Sharon Maynard Treasurer 718 Sierra Road W, Helena, MT 59602; Northwest Kidney Centers, PO BOX 3035, Seattle, WA 98114; or the International Heart Institute of Missoula, MT, 500 W. Broadway, Suite 320, Missoula MT 59802. To share a memory of Margie and to offer the family condolences, please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Aida Lorena Interiano says
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness felt. Your wife and mom touched the lives of so many people, her loss will be felt by everyone.
Peace.
Alice Engen, P.G.M. says
Margie was the Grand Organist for our Grand Family of O.E.S. 2002/2003. We were all delighted to have her as one of us and we will all greatly miss her. She was a shining example of excellance in her music and her personal life. Rest peasefully my friend. Love and Hugs, Alice and Gene too!
Allyn Ann Cummins says
Boyce, Koket, Julie: My deepest sympathy in the loss of Margie. She is now at peace and her struggles have ended. She was a very gracious and talented lady; you will all miss her greatly!
Benjamin N. Fowler says
Boyce, Koket & Jason, Julie, Darby and Jesse: My heart goes out to you. As you know I loved Margie very much too and she had a great impact on my life. You are in my prayers and I will sorely miss my dear friend and teacher.
Love,
Ben Fowler
Bernice Slaughter says
I was sorry to read about the death of your loved one. “Why” is the question asked by many. The Bible teach that humans inherited death from Adam,not Jehovah God.-Romans 5:12 Since we inherited death how can we be helped? The Bible teach at John 5:28,29 “all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice(Jesus)and come out…” Since we experience death on earth the Bible teach that soon “death will be no more.”-Revelation 21:4 Margie has the hope of living again in paradise on earth.
Bruce DeSonia says
To Boyce and family,
My deep sympathy to you in yor loss. Margie lived a remarkable life.
Carynn & Phillip LeMieux says
Margie was a awesome lady. Her music,smiles and unending support will be missed by us all at Nile and Eastern Star.
Chantal says
Margie was & is a wanderful woman. When God made her he broke the mold.I admired how she was always so calm about everything. I also admired how she always looked so nice. I am truly blessed to have known her.
Cindy Prim Leyba says
Our hearts go out to you, Boyce, Julie and Koket. Our world has lost a sweet soul, a beautiful woman! I remember her clear, beautiful soprano voice singing the Ave Maria at our wedding almost 30 years ago. Heaven will sound even lovlier with her voice singing praises! Our thoughts are with you.
Crystal (Robinson) Lynch says
Dearest Boyce and family: I do not have the words to express how Margie impacted my life. We were in WA for part of 2012 and I thought of her often. When I was a child I remember how excited I was to go to my piano lessons. Her upbeat attitude made it so easy to learn and love her. She brought out the best in me and I will be forever grateful to have had the privilege to have known Margie. It’s always been my dream and love to teach piano and I have her to thank for giving me the passion and love for music. I’ll forever remember her kindness, beautiful laugh and smile but most of all her love for others that knew no end.
Dee Dee Chiesa says
I am so sorry to hear of Margie’s death. I know she has been in poor health for a very long time but you always hope she will go on forever. My condolences to Boyce, Koket and Julie. Please know you are in my thoughts at this hard time.
Ella Gordon says
Dear Boyce, Koket, Jason, Julie, Darby, Jessie and family:
I was deeply saddened as I just learned of Margie’s passing this morning (7/30/2012). Margie was a wonderful lady who dealt with mulitple challenges during her lifetime with poise, grace and dignity. She was a wonderful mentor to not only her own family members but to all those who were fortunate enough to have their paths cross with Margie’s. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the days to come as you grieve this loss. God Be With Each of You. Ella Gordon and Aunt Edith Kiser
George Lane says
Boyce,
My heart goes out to you. Margie was a wonderful elegant lady. I will always remember her lovely voice and the music she brought forth. Another angel is in heavens choir.
George Lane says
Boyce,
My heart goes out to you. Margie was a wonderful elegant lady. I will always remember her lovely voice and the music she brought forth. Another angel is in heavens choir.
Helen Richter says
Dear Boyce,
I was sorry to learn that Margie passed away.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy
Helen Richter
Jane Benson says
My family was first introduced to Margie by Boyce, in Missoula, about 1970 or so, when they were again attending U of M. It was a joy to meet her then, and many contacts since here in Helena. What a gracious person!
Jeannette Ross says
We loved having Margie in Cardiac Rehab and will miss her terribly. My love and prayers to Boyce and family.
Jennie Luebeck says
Boyce and family –
I’m so sorry to hear of Margie’s passing. She has always been a shining example of how to live life to the fullest despite adversity! I’m so glad I was able to see her even briefly at Templed Hills last year. Like Mom, she leaves behind a wonderful music legacy in Helena and beyond. My best wishes and prayers to your whole family.
Jerry Crawford says
I knew Margie from St. Peters rehab. Got to visit with her every day that she came in. I will miss her talking about the books she had read. Got to know some about her teaching and about her life.
Jill Whyte says
For Margie’s family,
What an incredible lady. She will be dearly missed, especially her beautiful smile. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jill
Jon and Barbara Rush and Family says
Margie was such a great friend and we feel like a light has gone out of our lives. We will never forget all the afternoons with Margie as we all took our piano lessons. She had such a great sense of humor and made lessons not so serious. As a mom it helped to have Margie as the piano teacher because they liked her! Margie even came and played piano at our Christmas parties when she was not feeling well. We will miss her. God Bless you Margie.
Karen Ferris says
Marcie
I am so sorry to hear about your Aunt. I know how much she meant to you. Know that I am thinking of you.
Karen
Ken and Joanie Platt says
Boyce, Koket and Julie
We extend our deepest sympathy. Margie will always be thought of with love from both of us.
Laura A. Pippin says
We will miss her so much. Families are Forever. She is in heaven now, healthy and strong, teaching others music I’m sure. She was amazing here and she is amazing there. With Love, Laura, Robert, Bentley (Green-Pippin)
Len and Wendy Olson says
Len and Wendy Olson says
Margie will always be in our hearts. What a special lady! We’ll remember all the fun and giggles, beautiful music, and great times we spent with Margie. Our prayers are with your family. We love you!
Les Saisbury says
Dear Boyce and Fowler family, I’m so sorry to hear of Margie’s passing. She always exemplified the epitome of elegance, grace and enduring strength – a truly wonderful woman. May God’s grace and the many memories sustain you all through this very difficult time.
Linda Fowler says
My sincere sympathy to Margie’s family. She was a special lady to our family. She truly will be missed. As Ben so aptley put it: I can’t imagine the world without Margie. Our love, thoughts and prayers for her family.
Love,
Linda
Marsha Young says
I will always remember what a wonderful person and cousin you were. You were very loved. Miss you forever and glad you are now at peace after such a struggle for so many years.
Love Marsha
Mizpah Chapter #13, OES says
Boyce and Family – we will miss Margie’s beautiful music and great wit! Where there is love, there is a song to help when things are going wrong! Margie was a great song!
Nickie Eck says
Boyce, Koket, Julie and family – my sympathy to all of you, Margie was so gifted and shared her voice and song with so many. In Star love.
Richard and Mary Drysdale says
We hope it’s comforting to know another angel is singing in heaven.
Roger Koch says
I was terribly sorry to read that Margie is gone. I well remember those early days in Helena during the 60’s as well as watching Koket and Julies as youngsters. I have been a widower myself for 12 years. May God be with all of you.
Sam Whitehead says
Boyce, Julie and Darby. I am so sorry for your loss. Margie was an amazing woman and has done alot of things for alot of people. If there is anything I can do to help in this time of need dont hesitate to ask. You and your family will be be in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve & Sissy Lunceford says
Boyce & Family, I am sorry for your loss. The you and your family are in our prayers.
Suzie Lintz Ives says
We are so sad to lose Margie in our lives. We could always count on her for a brilliant smile, a hug and a song.
Our deepest condolences,
Suzie Lintz Ives
Mike Denty
Ted Bush says
Brother Boyce:
On behalf of myself and the Brothers of Ottawa Lodge No. 51, I wish to extend our condolences to you and your entire family on the passing of your wife Margie. While she no longer dwells among us I am sure she now rests comfortably in the Celestial Lodge and in the company of the Grand Architect of the Universe.
My deepest sympathies to all.
Ted Bush
Secretary
Tirzah Temple #3, DON says
With our sincere sympathy! We at Tirzah Temple will miss her as much as Sapphira – such an inspiration! You can chart your course in life with high ideals and love, For high ideals are like the stars that light the sky above!
With much fondness, Tirzah Temple #3 sisters, Butte, Montana
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Boyce and the Fowler Family, We are thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Margie was truly a lady in every sense of the word and she will be greatly missed by all of you. You’re in our prayers!