HELENA- Margot Jean Wright, 65, passed away at the Cooney Healthcare in Helena, Montana on March 28, 2024. Margot Jean Wright was born on January 17, 1959 in Missoula, Montana the daughter of Kermit Joseph Wright and Myrl Lorain Wright. Margot attended both grade school and high school in Helena, Montana.
Margot went to Spokane Falls Community College and Montana State University where she obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Interior Decorating. After completing her education she worked for Dillard’s department store in Helena. She served in many management positions such as Advertising, Education Coordinator, and Sales. Margot was an incredibly talented artist which showed in many of the window and floor displays at Dillard’s. Margot also had a second career as a Personal Trainer, Aquatics Director and Swim Instructor at the Broadwater Athletics Club in Helena. Margot also was a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association and taught classes at St. Peter’s Hospital. She always found time for her passion of art. Her artistic talent was amazing producing many different types of art such as water colors, carving and painting gourds, candle making, woven baskets just to name a few. She also was an avid vegetable gardener.
As a young girl Margot had many challenges from complications of having juvenile diabetes which has no cure. After years of insulin use Margot’s kidneys shut down forcing her to go on dialysis three times a week. Nine months after being on a waiting list for a kidney donor, Margot got a call that a compatible kidney and pancreas was available in Portland. The surgery was successful and amazingly she was soon back working at Dillard’s and teaching swimming at the health club. The pancreas produced insulin for the rest of her life and the kidney lasted for thirty years, after which she went back on a waiting list for another kidney. Remarkably she received another kidney donated by a live donor, a woman in Helena. That kidney was still working well even at the end of Margot’s life. Margot’s health journey shows what a strong and resilient woman she was and an advocate for her own health care. She was a fighter until the end.
Margot never married or had her own children, but she loved many and had many who loved her. Margot and her Mother Myrl had a special bond and were blessed to have lived with each other for many years. She enjoyed having nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews over to color Easter eggs, decorate for Christmas or play games. Margot loved animals and her black Lab “Licorice” gave her much comfort in her last years. Margot had many friends and family who loved and supported her throughout her life along with some very dedicated medical providers. She was preceded in death by her parents Kermit Joseph Wright and Myrl Lorain Wright. She has three siblings; Pamela Scott (Bruce) of Big Fork, Mt., Mark Wright (Jenna) of Stevensville, Mt., Peggy Goodwin, of Helena, Mt.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave., Helena, Montana. A reception will follow the service in the Social Hall of the Funeral home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 27, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday April 27, 2024
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 27, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday April 27, 2024
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Audrey Blomquist Kelly says
To the Family of Margot: I worked with Margot years ago at Dillards. She was a kind and thoughtful co-worker and always was a pleasure to work with. My deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in the support of family and friends.
Sharlene Goodman Stav says
To all of Margot’s family,
Margot and I were childhood friends, growing up on the west end of Helena, going to Kessler
and C R Anderson together. I remember how brave she was when she was diagnosed with diabetes and how she
Learned to use needles practicing on an orange. I will always think of her and your mother fondly.
With prayers for your family, Sharlene Goodman Stav
Linda Minkoff says
Margo’s Family,
I worked with Margo at Dillards many years ago. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was full of kindness and thoughtfulness for others. It was an honor to know her and call her Friend.
As you keep your memories of Margo close to your heart, I pray you will be blessed with comfort and joy.
Linda
Susan Volkenant says
For Margot’s extended family and her tribe.
From Susan Volkenant
Susan C Volkenant says
Susan got the brush off,
I’m cousins with Margo and her brother and sisters and originally from Minnesota, now living in San Diego California. Geographically we didn’t see each other as much as I wish. But I did enjoy paying attention to Margo‘s delightful artistic posts. She was inspiring with her creativity. We did have a reunion planned, but it was canceled due to Covid back in the day. I believe it was to celebrate a special birthday for sister Peggy. They were coming west or southwest and we’re going to visit in San Diego and stay with me and we were going to have girly fun. Regrettably that never happened.
I send my sincere condolences to everyone touched by Margot and I am sorry I cannot join you in her celebration of life. She was a remarkable woman.
Connie Erickson says
Margot was my personal trainer at the Broadwater. She was great; very patient with someone who hadn’t exercised in years. Later I took work-out classes from her and was she a taskmaster! Even on those days when she wasn’t feeling well, she put us thru our paces. I always admired her strength in the face of adversity and her positive attitude. May flights of angels take you to your rest, Margot.
Rachel Peura says
Margot was my first boss when moving to Helena.
She hired me to run the woman’s perfume counter and introduced me to retail sales.
She was a role model of an excellent manager, praising on a job well done and gently reminding you of what needed improvement.
Although she knew I would not be a long term employee, she went out of her way to ask me about my acclimation to Helena and about my goals for life in Helena.
She was beautiful and positive and I loved coming to that job because she made it fun and taught me skills I did not know I had.
May her memory be with all who knew her.