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Memorial Service-Obituary Links
https://sites.google.com/view/margareteagle

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Alexis, Jessica, and Heather with Grandma and Grandpa

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Alexis, Jessica, and Heather with Grandma and Grandpa

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Click on the plus sign in the lower right to add your own post. Click on any  post to enlarge it.

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A Memory over Time of my life with my Parents, Margaret and Harold Eagle', by David Eagle

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A Memory over Time of my life with my Parents, Margaret and Harold Eagle', by David Eagle

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As many of you know, my Dad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and he was in the Spokane hospital after suffering from a nervous beak down when I was born in 1954.  (I myself now live in Spokane County and have lived there since 1989.)  Mom waited six months to name me so she and my Dad could name me together.  In her letters to Dad, she would refer to me as "Skipper"; my Dad thought that my Mom was referring to a dog.  (My Mom often said my Dad did not want a dog, and she never knew why.)
While I was too young to remember back then, my Mom often recounted stories from her past.  One very important story relevant to her whole life had to do with the time my Dad was in the hospital.  My Mom was very unhappy about her situation with four kids and a husband in the hospital.   She was upset, depressed, and angry.  One day, she recounted, out of nowhere she heard, "Oh, ye of such little faith."   Because no one was around, she believed this was a spiritual communication to her that she took to heart.   While I myself am not religious, I respect others who are, and I respect how this event changed my Mom's whole life.
Mom struggled with herself at that time to try to overcome her anger and depression and replace those emotions with faith to help her get through her troubling times.  When my Dad returned home, my Mom decided that her role in life was not to work, but rather "to take care of Harold."  (She also did much to take care of us children, but that would be another story or memory.)
As an engineer back in the 1950s and 1960s, the work expectation was for engineers to work over time even though they were on salary.  My Mom, though, put down the law, saying dinner was to be at 6pm each night; if my Dad was not there, she would start dinner without him.  Mom reported that Dad did almost always get to dinner on time, although usually it was with only a minute or two to spare.  (My Dad's commute from work was less than 10 minutes away.)
When my Mom and Dad built the Cabin at Bridger Bowl, my Mom often credited that cabin as one of the best things to help them manage my Dad being bipolar.
My Mom and Dad also had horses and did many horse pack trips into Montana's many wildernesses.   The cabin, skiing, horses, pack trips, and fishing helped balance my Dad's life.  Dad also was a boy scout leader when Alan and I were in boy scouts.  Combined with some medication which seemed to help tremendously, I hardly was aware that there was anything different about Dad until a couple of minor flareups after I had gone to college.  When I got to high school and compared my life with other kids' lives, I realized that my childhood was much more stable than most of those other kids' childhoods.  In particular, Alan and I have a friend from our childhood who married a woman from my class.  That woman confided with me that her father was also bipolar.  However, for her, her father was a nightmare.  I told my siblings this and my brother Alan (who was a pastor who saw a lot of domestic issues including bipolar disorder) said that he thought our Dad's bipolar disorder was better controlled than any other person he saw with bipolar disorder.  My Mom should be credited for her role in keeping my Dad balanced.  The effect on her children in her doing so has been a great gift to all of us.

Thank you, Mom.
Your youngest son,
David Eagle

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There are so many things that instantly remind me of time spent with Grandma. The taste of Campbells tomato soup with grilled cheese brings me back to the cabin at Bridger Bowl, sharing our adventures after a morning exploring the ski slopes. A red cardinal in the snow takes me to my parents’ kitchen table where Grandma and I would sit and watch the birds when she came to visit. Steam rising from warm water on a cold day and I am filled with the memory of swimming laps in the heated the outdoor pool of her gym as snowflakes fell around us. I am thankful for the time I got to spend with her and all of the stories she shared, I love you Grandma and I will miss you!
Lots of Love, Jessica

(as for the picture, I remember we stopped to tour caverns on our way to Nate and Rebekah’s wedding and that Grandma preferred pushing the wheelchair to sitting in it, but I don’t remember why I decided to take a seat!)

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I have so few photos of my grandparents but my best childhood memories are from every summer at their cabin in the Bridger Mountains in Montana. After losing my grandfather 25 years ago my independent and ever-cheerful grandmother was a model of steadfast and humble strength. She will be missed by many.

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I always  thought of Grandma Eagle as my fun grandma.  She was always ready to laugh and go on adventures.  I remember in elementary school getting to go skiing with just my grandma and one of my sisters.  On one run our chair on the triple-lift at Bridger Bowl started swinging so hard we actually hit a pole on the way up.  During spring break one year in college Mom, Grandma and I went to stay with Aunt Marge in San Diego.  Mom and I thought we were going to leave the other two to talk and do jig-saw puzzles while we visited all the tourist sites.  That's not what they had in mind.  Instead, we all had a great time touring and visiting the animal parks together.  Even on my last visit to Helena in 2012, Grandma drove Peter and I up into the mountains to show us around.  I'm happy to have so many good memories of our time together.  I'll miss you Grandma!
Love, Alexis

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I'm Susan and Hugh Reynolds' next door neighbor, and I want to express my sympathy to the Reynolds and Eagle families. I only met your mom and grand-mom a few times, here in Wynnewood when she visited the Reynolds, and in Michigan, at Alexis' wedding. I remember Mrs. Eagle as a cheerful, fun-loving, and stalwart soul.  She was always smiling, as the photos on this memory board show.  May she remain alive in our fond memories of this lovely woman.   From:  Bonnie Perry

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Alexis: First Time Skiing with Grandma

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Allison and Chad G. -  Reynolds' neighbors

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Allison and Chad G. -  Reynolds' neighbors

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"The bird has flown" A sweet thought!

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Our times with your Mother were precious, especially the week in Helena.

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I will remember Margaret as a cheerful, smiling woman with a zest for life.

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What a marvelous life she had. Wonderful neighbor for years.

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Enjoying dinner in Margaret's condo with her friend Sharon.

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I am so sorry for the loss of your mother Margaret, but what a wonderful, full life she had—even celebrating her hundredth birthday! Wow!

I visited with Margaret at every Eagle June gathering. I was always struck by what a wonderful time she seemed to be having. Not everyone enjoys their in-laws that much!

Margaret had a beautiful voice. My mother, Helen Eagle Glannon, loved to hear Margaret sing. At most family reunions, Mom would arrange for Margaret to give a little concert. This usually took place at Joe and Kay’s.

Margaret always struck me as a “Let’s Get It Done” kind of person. Here are two examples of that. Years ago she wrote to me saying that it was a shame that Edward Glannon’s beautiful paintings were hidden away in an attic. Tom, Joe and I agreed and over ten years placed all of Dad’s paintings in museums across the country.

Here’s a second example of Margaret’s “Let’s Do Something About It” attitude: In my 2020 Christmas card I wrote that it was hard being so far away from our children. Margaret wrote me back that her children had provided her with a portal that she could use to see and talk with them, and I should get the same thing. She even sent me the address where I could get the portal!

Pictured Helen Glannon, Margaret Eagle, Doretha Eagle,  Eddie Glannon

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What a wonderfully remarkable lady. She so lovingly offered welcome and friendship to a church & neighborhood newcomer! She will be so missed by so many.

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Sam & Ida Eagle's children with spouses in front of Eagle's Store
Rose, Walley, Frankie, Joe, Kay, Marge, Ed, Helen, Sam (Bud), Margaret, Betty, Harold, Luther and Doretha   Hermie, Rose's husband and Jean, Sam's wife are missing from picture. Henry and Bill were decease.

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Margaret and Harold shortly after marriage

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Rita Morley, Josie DeDciascio and Kara Frech

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Rita Morley, Josie DeDciascio and Kara Frech

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For over 50 years, Margaret was one of my mother's good friends. Often they had coffee together to celebrate their birthdays. One of these celebrations was particularly memorable, at least to Margaret. She reminded me several times that she and my mother had chatting over coffee and cookies at my mother's kitchen table when the doorbell rang. The neighbor from across the street came with the news that President Kennedy had been shot. During my mother's last years in a care center, Margaret visited her often. Her friendship with my mom was a blessing both to my mother and to me.

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Anita H
Doreena F
Kendra O
Joseph G
Pauline S
Steve R
Diane T
Esen T
Deborah C
Terry B
Linda W
Barbara C
Barb Z
Patricia B
Rosemary G
Kim E
Peter E, Elizabeth and family
Jack E
Carol Eckberg F
Frankie E and Frank S
Ann M
Judy and Pat C

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Margaret was so friendly and welcoming to me when I first came as the new pastor for Covenant almost ten years ago.  She let me know right away she was a charter member!  She liked to sit right in front where she could see and hear well and sing, and she always looked up with an encouraging smile.  I think she even got my jokes.  She wasn't afraid to tell others what she thought or question me, but she did it with a good spirit.  
She really cared about the welfare of the church; more than the building, she cared about the people.  She stuck with it through a difficult time of conflict.  She had a long view, seeing into a future with hope.  Every now and then I meet an older woman who inspires me to think, "I want to be like her when I grow up."  Margaret is one of those.  Her memory will remain an inspiration and a blessing to me.  

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Your mother has been much on my mind these past months.  They must have been very hard on her, since she really was a sociable soul.

But I bet she faced the situation cheerfully, as she did the other challenges of age that had come her way.

Still, when she told us at the 2019 family meeting that this would be her last, I thought her very brave to be facing the inevitable in front of a group.  It was nice that she could be ‘with us’ this June, and I even wondered if we might see her at the next gathering.  Sadly, no.  

I ran across this photo from 2013 that you might not have seen, showing your mother with her usual radiant smile

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You are all wrapped in my prayers and I share your grief.  Margaret will always hold a special place in my heart.  I loved her so very much!  It is still difficult for me to comprehend her physical presence is no longer with us even though her memories will always keep her close.  It makes me sad to think how COVID-19 took so much away from us unnecessarily - time spent together, hugs, and ultimately her life.  However, I would rather focus on the positive just as she always did.  For a long-time she has longed to be with her heavenly father and He carried her home to the room He prepared especially for her.  She is in His presence, embraced by His love, and free from her earthly health struggles - forever!  We can be sad for our loss but can only feel joy for her.

When I remember Margaret, I think of her precious giggle and her wonderful smile.  She was truly loved by her Covenant family and it will never be the same without her.  The blessing is she was a part of our church family for so many years and our charge is to continue to carry on the wisdom, caring nature, and strong faith she showed us all.

Margaret was strong and determined, lovingly caring and thoughtful, and never afraid to speak her mind.  She adored her family and would light up with pride when she talked about all of them or brought them to church when they visited.  Margaret loved history and was so proud of her family history.  Among many other things, the Eagle store was always a topic of delight for her.  Whenever I was out with her - she knew everyone around her.  That always amazed me.  I am so thankful her mind was sharp and she was able to enjoy the many friendships she had made through the years.  

Margaret truly loved Covenant Methodist Church and the church family loved her just as much.  She was very proud to have been one of the founding charter members.  She and Harold were instrumental in our church's history and their presence will always be felt in the walls of our building.  She was one of a kind and our lives were blessed because of her presence.

Margaret was a greeter before worship and would sit in the chair in the Narthex and greet people as they came to worship.  Her welcoming spirit will always be there but it is difficult for me to see her empty chair.  If it is possible, I would appreciate your emailing me her picture from her beautiful obituary.  With your permission, I would like to put the framed picture above the chair for everyone to see our matriarch, our mentor, and our beloved friend.  She is dearly missed!

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Margaret was such a wonderful friend to my family. I remember so many visits growing up in Helena, and her warm hostess efforts at the ski cabin at Bridger. She and my Mother went way back, sorority sisters, and my Father and Harold were childhood buddies. What a special family she had and a great, long life she lived. Blessings in the Lord to you family and loved ones.

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One week ago, my grandmother Margaret Eagle passed away after contracting Covid-19. The past week has been a whirlwind of feelings, and regrets over not being able to have a true gathering to memorialize her. I don't know that I necessarily would have stood up to share my feelings had I had gotten a chance to, but I think I would like to here.

I didn't know my grandmother as well as I would like, to the best of my memory I only really had one experience alone with her to learn about her and her life. It was a 5 hour car ride from Spokane to Helena where I gave her a ride back home from my sister Mary's graduation party from the Whitworth Masters Degree program. It was a nice car ride, and it gave me a great chance to learn about my grandfather Harold, who passed away when I was quite young. I remember the last 100 miles especially fondly. We were starting to run low on gas and she and I shared many jokes and bets on whether or not there would be another gas station before we got to Helena. (There wasn't, but we made it there. Barely.) She treated me to lunch at one of her favorite restaurants that made a pretty solid Ruben. The next day I continued to West Yellowstone where I worked my first summer at our family store.

Aside from that trip, we didn't spend a lot of time together. However I certainly felt her presence and love in the handwritten Christmas and birthday cards she sent every year, in her making the trip out to Tacoma for Amanda's and my wedding at the age of 95, and in all the ways she passed her love and affection into her children. I grew up in a very loving home and always knew that I had family both within and outside the household who cared about me and thought I was special. I think a lot of that came from love that was passed down to my parents from their respective parents. For that I will be eternally grateful.

My grandmother lived a remarkable life, and lived long enough to endure the pain of outliving her friends' children who had become companions to her as well. She faced the end of her life with peace and a strong faith that she would be at her Father's side. I hope one day to be able to face death with the same grace and resilience as she did. I will miss her, but I am happy that she is at peace.

Thank you to everyone for the kind messages, both posted and sent through text over the past week. I haven't responded to all of them but that doesn't mean they didn't bring me comfort. I love you all, and look forward to a time when we can get together again.

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2018: Four generations of my family.

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We have been able to "visit" with Grandma since May using a Portal device. Here Elsa is showing her a toothbrush she got from Santa on Christmas day. I told Grandma my first memory of learning about video-telephones was on a trip as a nine year old when she took me and my brother Nathanael Eagle to the JFK Space Center in Florida and we walked through "the home of the future." How amazing that our last months of visits were indeed over a fancy video-telephone of the future.

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I have known Aunt Margaret all my life, but beginning in 2015, I have had the joy of sharing special time with her during the summers.  On my way to the annual store meeting I would fly to Missoula to visit a high school friend, she was one of my bridesmaid 58 years ago!

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I have known Aunt Margaret all my life, but beginning in 2015, I have had the joy of sharing special time with her during the summers.  On my way to the annual store meeting I would fly to Missoula to visit a high school friend, she was one of my bridesmaid 58 years ago!

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After a few days I would rent a car and drive to Helena and stay with Margaret .  She was always so gracious to all her overnight guests - and there were many.  I fell in love with her condo on Saddle Drive.  I feel it has the perfect floor plan.  We would go out for meals to some of her favorite restaurants.  My last visit was when she was living in her lovely apartment at Hunter's Pointe.  She was living independently but having some of her meals in the main dining room.
I would drive Margaret to the store meeting and on the way she enjoyed the beautiful scenery and would recall various events that happened along the roads we were traveling.  She would always look for the dilapidated barn where she pulled in her car (the door was open) for protection during a tremendous rain and hailstorm.  We would take the route that took us through Ennis so we could visit Aunt Kay.  Those were wonderful visits!
My Montana trips will not be the same without a visit with my Aunt Margaret.  If I'm ever on that same road, I'll be looking for "her barn!"
Sending lots of love,
Liz Eagle Nemeth

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Me and my brother John with Grandma at the West Yellowstone library in 2018 where they had an exhibit on the Eagle family, founders of the town.

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I am Margaret’s longest project.  Starting when I was conceived in 1946, she tried to do what was best for me. She allowed me to chase the surf at the beach even though I wrecked my new shoes and gave thanks I escaped the poison oak she and Dad got from toasting marshmallows on what they thought were willows on a winter picnic. She quit her job when I was being bullied in nursery school to care for me full time. She got a correspondent kindergarten course for me and made me clothes. She had my siblings with whom I could choose to play or to torment. She let me bake in her kitchen and she prepared regular, healthy meals.

Once, in the hospital, she hemmed the skirt I needed to go to the state science fair.

A significant part of her project was directed toward making me into her concept of a proper young lady. It started with three years of piano lessons during grade school which I hated; followed by speech lessons which I did not dislike until I had to perform for others; then, swimming lessons and ski lessons which I loved. She decided voice lessons would be wasted after listening to Dad and me sing while doing the dishes. She had me join 4-H so I would learn to sew and pulled out many poor seams for me. She worked at the Campfire Camp for two weeks so Joan and I could go. She made me take typing in summer school so I would have a skill. She made sure I learned how to properly fold napkins and set a formal table while constantly reminding me to stand up straight.

She got me the proper little black dress for college, little knowing that college was where she would lose control of her project. She always provided support when asked and enthusiastically shared the highpoints of my life.

I was fortunate to have her in my life for so long.

Thank you, Mother.

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Yesterday my Grandma Margaret passed away at the age of 100 (and a half!) after contracting Covid-19. She was strong, cheerful, a story teller, and craftswoman. She made friends with just about everyone she met and always found something interesting about them. She took me on a magical trip to Florida when I was nine, picked huckleberries with us on the slopes of Bridger Bowl, encouraged my music education, and was always there when our family needed her. We will miss her.

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People may associate Margaret Eagle with the history of Covenant United Methodist Church, but I am most fascinated by her connection to the Eagle’s Store in West Yellowstone. Margaret never failed to mention her joy at the anticipation of traveling to West Yellowstone for the Eagle family reunion or commenting on it after her return.

A few years ago, I drove to West Yellowstone to view the animals at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. However, a visit would not be complete without stopping at the Eagle’s Store. And, sure enough, an older lady there recalled the many times she’d talked to Margaret during one of her visits.

I left the store carrying a green filled water bottle with a bison and Yellowstone National Park emblazoned on the front. And every time I look at it, I think of Margaret and her Yellowstone connection.

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One day while living in Alaska, I realized that I was the only one of my parents' children who had the flexibility to move back to Montana to help take care of them in their later years.  They were just over my current age at that time.  As soon as it became feasible, Harvey and I got jobs in the Helena area, and I was there during my dad's last  years.  Little did I suspect that my mother would live another 25!  She and I did a lot of things together during the years I lived there, and she was pretty put out when we moved to Bigfork.  I still visited her frequently, and she would often asked me how I learned to do the knitting or other craft I might be working on.  My answer was always the same,  "My mother taught me."

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Frankie Eagle and Frank
Julie and Joe Heath
Karen M
Linda H
Glenda S
Emily E
Anna F
Nadine S

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Margaret and Harold were my babysitters when my parents, Bill and Marge Leary, traveled. I have fond memories of staying in their home. Karen Eagle and I become friends while in elementary school. I really enjoyed Margaret and her hospitality and always wearing a smile.

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I loved hearing about all of her adventures and she was a real joy to see at the gym over the years. A pure inspiration to everyone. Glad I can say I got to know her. She was truly loved and will be missed.

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What a marvelous life she had. Wonderful neighbor for many years.

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What a wonderfully remarkable lady. She so lovingly offered welcome and friendship to a church & neighborhood newcomer! 

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Growing up in a skiing family in Bozeman meant countless days on the slopes at Bridger Bowl.  Frequently, those days included enjoying our lunch with Uncle Harold, Aunt Margaret and their family and guests at their mountain cabin which they referred to as Eagle’s Sitzmark.  Most winters also included at least one weekend staying with them at the cabin.    The loft at Eagle’s Sitzmark included beds that would lower from the sidewalls of the steep A-frame structure along with my personal favorite which was a built-in bed across the front of the loft which enjoyed views right up the mountain.  Going to bed at night often involved an opportunity to see the lights of the snow cats grooming the mountain from this loft perch and the morning wakeup call was usually provided by the sound of the ski patrol doing avalanche control with their artillery cannons and hand thrown explosives.  Perhaps it was those early morning memories at Eagle’s Sitzmark that led me to spend several winters with the Bridger Ski Patrol.  Largely because of their open invitation to drop in unannounced at Eagle’s Sitzmark, I enjoyed lots of laughs and stories with them both over the years and learned firsthand from Aunt Margaret the joy of hosting friends and family at a special place.

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I think your parents were the 1st people I met when I moved to Helena in 1963 to be near my sister, Zella, and her husband Grady.
Margaret has been such a dear friend all these years and we will miss her so very much.