Mary Margaret Wendt Nickol, 87

Mary Margaret Wendt Nickol was laid to rest next to her husband, Francis “Frank” Anthony on Sept. 30, 2016, with family and close friends present. 

Mary was the second child of Otto and Kathleen Wendt, born on Jan. 27, 1929.

Mary grew up on a busy dairy farm in the Flathead Valley. She milked cows, put up hay, swam in the spring-fed pond and skied behind a horse, tractor or pickup truck. As a teen considering an evening out, she told of her brother saying she could take the “Big Red Coupe,” meaning the family tractor. Mary loved recalling stories of growing up in the valley and the large family colored with men and women of enormous character.

Mary attended rural elementary schools and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1947. She went to college at Washington State in Pullman, Washington, and Northern Montana College in Havre.

Mary was teaching at Mountain Brook School near Creston in 1953 when she met a young rascal from Ledger — Frank Nickol. They married in St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Kalispell on June 14, 1954.

They farmed east of Ledger raising seven boys (the first six were eight and a half years apart.) Mary did everything from occasionally helping with heavy labor, driving trucks, cooking for harvest crews, tending to a huge garden and canning. She could mend anything, especially the knees of jeans. She always had time for children and helped them in any way she could. She loved being a member of the Pondera Toole Home Demonstration Club where she shared her many interests and talents with neighborhood moms. She treasured these friends long after moving to the Flathead.

In 1984, Frank and Mary moved to Columbia Falls. With all the boys grown except Sam, they dedicated 10 years volunteering time to set up a business for their son, Steven. In addition to keeping the office presentable, Mary planted flowers in front of the marina to give a welcoming look to customers.

Mary loved collecting thimbles and spoons, much to her grumbling husband’s dismay. Mary was a tremendous correspondent and spent hours at her typewriter composing messages of love. When friends were sick, suffering from cancer or housebound, Mary typed extra letters. Everyone could count on a listening ear and cookies when they had the chance to visit her. Mary always made sure everyone felt loved and included. She loved her neighbors and always had a listening ear and open heart. She cared deeply for everyone she met.

In 2006, Mary’s health required moving to assisted living. Mary kept up on correspondence as she was able and took up knitting. Mary did her best to keep involved with her family from the assisted living center, and she looked forward to friendly visits from family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a stillborn son, Luke.

Mary is survived by her sons, George (Bonnie), Christopher, Matthew, Steven, Andrew (Cindy), Simon and Samuel; five grandchildren, Jamie Lee, Casey, Sherwood, Victoria and Mary Frances; and great-grandson, Beau Garrett. She is also survived by her sister Cathy (Larry) Crandall; brothers Douglas and Norman (Patricia); 50 nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

The family extends special thanks to Mary’s friends who continued to support her and show her love without fail.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Toole County Education Foundation Scholarship Fund, 301 First Street South, Shelby, MT 59474.