Margaret Brass, 84

Margaret Brass, 84, passed away at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Nov. 11, 2010. Her pleasant smile, happy nature and friendly way will be missed by those that knew and loved her. Margaret was born in Philipsburg to Margaret Traynor Dwyer and William R. Dwyer on July 19, 1926. Margaret was the second of five children. Margaret spent most of her life in Helena. She attended school in Helena. The family moved to Vancouver, Wash., her senior year and she graduated from high school there. After graduation the family moved back to Helena and she worked as a manager at F.W. Woolworth. She married Joe W. Downs Jr. in 1943. They were married for 42 years and were blessed with two children, Dennis in 1946 and Peggy Jo in 1947. They moved to California in 1964. While raising her family she worked with Cub Scouts, Brownies, taught Sunday school and Bible school at the Baptist Church in Helena. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, in 1986; and her son, Dennis Downs, in 1978. Returning to Helena in 1990, she established contact with Bill Brass, her high school sweetheart, and they were married in 1994. They resided at their Lakeside residence near Glacier Park for 16 years. Her husband survives Margaret at the family home in Lakeside. She is also preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Dwyer; and a brother, Billy Dwyer. She loved paintings and enjoyed creating art on her own. She was a master at crocheting beautiful heirloom dolls and handiwork, was an avid reader, and watched several sports on TV. She never missed a tennis match or figure skating. She tried several craft projects, such as needlework and ribbon embroidery. She was an ardent fan of the San Francisco 49ers. She loved spending time with her family and spoiling her dog, Shadow. In her working career she was a supervisor at Woolworth s, and executive secretary at the Girl Scout office in Helena. She worked at the assessor's office prior to moving to California in 1964. She retired in 1990 from FMC, after working there for 10 years. Margaret is survived by her husband, Bill, of Lakeside; daughter, Peggy Jo Downs of San Jose, Calif.; stepchildren, Mary Granger and Bill Brass Jr. of Lakeside; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Parkerson of Texas. Margaret is also survived by five grandchildren, Jeremy Strohmeier-Downs, Danielle Wycough, Danny Downs, Billy and Andrea Brass, and five great-grandchildren. She is survived by two sisters, Shirley Fischer and Eugene, and Mary Warren and Bernard, and brother, Jack Dwyer and Betty, all of Helena. She has numerous nephews and nieces. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Lakeside Community Chapel, in Lakeside, with a reception following. Pastor Dennis Reese will be officiating. Memorial donations can be made to Kalispell Regional Medical Center and the Brendan House or an organization of the donor's choice. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.