Margaret (Nielsen) Hubbard was born on April 17, 1923 at the Abbey Hospital in Miles City, the only child of Anton (Tony) and Mary (Nordin) Nielsen. Ninety-five wonderful, well-lived years later she passed away peacefully on September 5, 2018.
Margaret spent her youth on the family farm in Hathaway. She loved riding her horses and caring for her animals. As an only child, she held a special bond with her “double cousin” Totty; as her dad Tony and Uncle Soren had married two sisters, her mom Mary and Aunty Esther. With both a mom and an aunt as former school teachers, education was a priority, a value instilled on generations to come. She graduated Valedictorian of the Rosebud High School Class of 1940. Following graduation, she attended business school and began working as an accountant.
She was swept off her feet by a dashing red-headed Army man, Walter (Red) Hubbard. After a brief courtship, they married on July 4, 1943 at Fort Ord, California. While Red served in the Army, they lived in various locations later returning to the farm in Hathaway where they raised three kids – Dennis, Joan and Mark. While in Hathaway they farmed, they watched their kids grow and their family expand. Diane (Dennis), Dave (Joan) and Linda (Mark) joined the crew, and so began many of the family traditions we all loved so much.
When Red and Margaret retired, they moved to Forsyth. By then, their family had grown to include eight grand kids, which they spoiled. In fact, most of the time, they had a few in tow as we traveled in bunches. They spent many days taking grandkids for rides/trips complete with a goody-bag, pulling off a prank, or sitting around the kitchen table focused on an overly competitive game of Monopoly or Spoons. It was always an adventure at grandma’s house. She lost her mom in 1988 and Red in 1990, which was very difficult for her. Then came the great-grandkids and another generation to love and follow.
Growing up through the depression, she understood the value of items. She was frugal and organized. Forever the accountant, she kept detailed notes and lists of many things. She took great pleasure in growing a bountiful garden, ensuring each row was weed free. She made the best pickles and salsa, favorites among her family members. In her later years, she learned how to navigate a computer, conquering Facebook. She loved staying connected with her family and making new Facebook friends. A random google search led to the discovery of extended family in Sweden she had never met, and she friended them too. She was a master at jigsaw puzzles, a hobby she spent countless hours working on, especially while living in the nursing home. She enjoyed help from RHCC staff and family members and when she finished one, she loved sharing the final product on Facebook. Lastly, she loved and spoiled her dogs and grand-dogs including Popsicle, Katie, Demon, Cricket, Fritzy and Cleo. They too went for many rides with her.
Margaret had a great life, one well spent. She was devoted to her family and loved us all very much. The legacy she leaves is deeply rooted in the memories she created with her family and the values she lived and instilled in us. She lives on in our hearts. Those who went before her include her parents, Tony & Mary, her Uncle Soren & Aunt Esther, her cousin Totty, who tragically drowned at age 14, and her son-in-law Dave Leinwand. She leaves behind her kids Dennis (Diane), Joan Leinwand and Mark (Linda) and a brother-in-law Charles (Zibute) Hubbard. Her grandkids and great kids include Lisa Leinwand, Kelli (Paul) Hofer with Ryan & Lainie, Nick (Mindy) Hubbard with Morgan & Cannon, Kirk Leinwand with Jacob, Jayson & Jarret, Kerri Millhollin with Miranda & Kaylee, Beth Leinwand, Jennifer (Scott) Anderson with Cooper & Tucker, and Michael (Jane) Leinwand with Tyson & Lindsey.
Margaret will be laid to rest on Friday September 14, 2018. Services will be held at 10:00 AM at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana with burial in the Forsyth Cemetery. If you would like to honor Margaret’s life, please consider giving to a charity of your choice, or to the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County PO Box 1395 Forsyth, MT 59327.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Friday September 14, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Service
Friday September 14, 2018
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Debbie Anderson says
Joan and all of Margaret’s family. I will miss seeing pictures of Margaret’s puzzles. They were always so colorful. I know she will be missed by everyone in Forsyth. She was a very sweet lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Nan Quinlan says
To Margaret s family,so sorry for your loss. I will miss Margaret. I really enjoyed our visits. You are all in my thoughts prayers
Linda Hodgson says
Dennis, Joanie and families, so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed following her and corresponding with her on facebook. Loved seeing all the beautiful puzzles she did. RIP beautiful lady.
Leona Zaharko says
So sorry for your great loss. What beautiful puzzles she did
Sharon Borla says
My sincere sympathy to all of Margaret’s loved ones. She was such a lovely lady. I enjoyed it so much when she shared her life stories. She will be greatly missed.
Jennifer Johnson says
To Margaret’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Claudia Mitzkus Gross says
Sorry for your loss. My mother , Tootie Pattison Mitzkus was a friend and classmate of Margaret.
Leona Zaharko says
What a beautiful tribute to a great lady – always smiling. I will truly miss her beautiful puzzles. I’m so very sorry for your great loss
Vicki Yerger Little says
Mark, Joan, Dennis and families, so
saddened to hear of your loss.
It’s never easy to lose a parent.
Prayers of God’s comfort for you all.
John W Clark says
Sorry for your loss.
Rick and Dee Dee Lyon says
We are so sorry for your loss. May all your wonderful memories take the place of the grief you are feeling now.
Lori and Gary Paull says
So sorry Dennis and Dianne. Sounds like she had a great life!