Obituary - Margaret Mary (Mayer) Spitzer

Margaret Mary (Mayer) Spitzer, 92, of Havre, passed peacefully of natural causes at her son's home in Dillon, Montana, on Thursday, June 25, 2015.

Margaret was born June 6, 1923, in Havre, Montana. She was one of five children and the only daughter to Jacob and Anna (Pogreba) Mayer. She was raised in Havre and received her elementary education at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic School. She finished her formal education at Havre High School, where she graduated in 1942.

Margaret went with a friend to Spokane, Washington, to contribute to the war effort as a "Rosie Riveter" in an airplane parts factory. After returning to Montana in 1944, she began working for Mountain Bell in Havre as a telephone operator, a job she held for 37-plus years. In addition Margaret met and married Spencer Browning. They had two children together before their six-year marriage ended in 1950.

Margaret met the "love of her life," Henry William "Bill" Spitzer, and they were married in Chinook in 1952. They lived in Havre and added two more children to their family of four. They were married 40 years when Bill died in 1992. Margaret continued to live independently at home until 2007, when she moved to the Eagles Manor, where she enjoyed her stay for the next seven years. When her health recently deteriorated, she transferred to the Northern Montana Care Center this past May 6. On June 20 Margaret's family decided to move her to Dillon for personal and hospice care. She died there peacefully in her sleep five days later.

Margaret was baptized and confirmed at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church and maintained a lifelong membership at the church. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Her hobbies were many, including camping, fishing, crafts, jigsaw puzzles and Bingo. In her younger days she was an avid bowler who maintained an average in the 160's. She also loved butterflies, motherhood and family. Margaret was a wonderful homemaker and cook, who especially loved the holiday recipes and dishes. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Spitzer; her four brothers, Mark, Louis, Robert and James Mayer; and her longtime favorite pet dog, Duffy.

Margaret is survived by three sons, Jerry Browning of Phoenix, Arizona, Robert (Kelly) Spitzer of Dillon, and Jack (Jaynee) Spitzer of Havre; one daughter, Pegi (Steve) Rambo of Havre; one stepson, Billy (Camille) Spitzer of Billings; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

Vigil prayers will be 7 p.m., Monday, June 29, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Havre. Her funeral Mass will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, at St. Jude's. Father Dan Wathen will celebrate the Mass. Following the funeral, there will be a reception at St. Jude's Parish Center.

Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Rockman's Funeral Home.