Margaret Abbott was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 4, 1943, to Clarence Joseph Schneider and Concetta Alba Bellantoni. Her early childhood was spent in a loving home with Grandmother Rose while her father served in the United States Navy and her mother worked.
After World War II, the family moved to Riverton, Wyoming, where her younger sister, Diane (Darold), was born. The family grew with brothers Richard and Hudson and sisters Marilyn, Peggy and Valarie. The family later moved to Billings, Montana, where she spent her educational years. She graduated from Billings Central High School in 1961. Shortly after her graduation she met and married the love of her life, Joe Abbott, and they settled in Poplar. They raised three children: Larry, Rose and Bonnie. She went back tot school attending Eastern Montana College in Billings where she received her teaching degree (Bachelor of Science in English and History) in 1973.
She began teaching at the Poplar Schools in 1973 and taught there for 30 years. In 1995 she took a sabbatical and went back to school at the University of Montana in Missoula where she earned her Masters Degree in English Education.
In 2005 Marge lost her husband, Joe. After his passing, she started a new teaching career in the English Department at Fort Peck Community College where she continued to successfully teach until May 2023. She was greatly liked and respected by faculty, administration, and most importantly by her students. Marge was a generous instructor who developed great relationships with everyone. She was elected Faculty Senate Secretary/Treasurer and was awarded Faculty of the Year status.
Marge loved teaching, gardening, books, and crossword puzzles, Rock concerts (Rolling Stones), helping others with her community services and volunteering when someone or some group needed an extra hand. And she was also a religious woman who attended church regularly and participated in services. She also loved to cook and bake, providing “goodies” whenever the opportunity arose. Her peanut butter cookies will be much missed!
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe, and her daughter, Rose.
She is survived by her son, Larry, her daughter, Bonnie (Jeff), grandchildren, Frank, Kaytlyn, Talbert, Alex, Brandon and Antonee (Katy), great grandchildren, Layla, Vanessa, Brianna, Charley, Miles and Benenaniah.
She is also survived by her many students and relatives, friends, and family, too many to mention, who value and love her still.
A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, Montana. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, Montana. Cremation will follow.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences for the family may be left by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Monday November 20, 2023
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F St. W
Poplar, Montana 59255
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 21, 2023
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F St. W
Poplar, Montana 59255
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Laurie Shafer says
My deepest condolences to the family of this dear wonderful women. I feel so honored to have known Mrs Abbott, to have done wonderful yoga with her. Fly high beautiful angel.
Florence Garcia says
My prayers go out to Margaret’s family. We went to Atlanta together when I worked at the college and I got to know her very well. She was an extraordinary lady, who believed in helping others through education. Her work in schools and the college is a testament to her dedication and commitment.
Rhonda M. says
Will miss you my friend, you were the best!
Jeff Nelsen says
Was my teacher in Middle School and High School. I really didn’t like English but she made it better. RIP
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Margaret’s family. She was a respected colleague who was passionate educator who believed in the potential of all her students. It was an honor to work with her. May you be consoled knowing that her love lives on in all the people whom she touched and the promise of the Creator. Lifting you up in prayer.
Kent Moran says
Condolences to Larry Bonnie and the rest of the family.
Margaret Jean McBride says
She will be greatly missed. RIP I fond memories of her being my Englush teacher in poplar middle school.
Sonia says
Am so saddened to hear of dear woman’s passing…good journey my friend! You lived life as an example to the fullest! You are missed here!!!
Shari says
My sincere condolences to you all. Thank you for always being there for me during my high school and college years
Richard White Owl III says
My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs.Abbott was an amazing teacher all four years of my high school years @ Poplar High School has well has a great educator @ Fort Peck Community College. You will be missed Mrs.Abbott, from the class of 2002 Poplar Indians.
lynette ross says
God has gained a beautiful angel. May she rest in peace. She was a beautiful lady and a great instructor at fort peck community college. She will be missed. May the creator carry you through this difficult time..
Jerome Taflan says
Prayers and condolences to your family:
Warren Crowe says
Thoughts and prayers to the Abbott family.
Tara Longtree says
I’m so grateful to have known such a beautiful woman, who was my teacher in Jr. Hi, HS, & FPCC! “to teach is to touch a life forever”, You definitely touched my life! I’m miss you, Go with God!
Gay Pennington says
So sorry for the loss of your mother, grandma and a great friend too many.. She was always happy when we see her in school..Will miss you my teacher and friend..Fly high my friend..RIP 🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕
John & Stacey Summers says
Condolences to the family. It was a blessing working with Marge at the FPCC/Wc she was the queen of yoga. Rest in peace Marge you will be dearly missed. 🫶
Michelle Trottier says
Prayers and Condolences to Larry, Bonnie and her grandchildren. Margaret was a one of a kind lady. Margaret and Joe always welcomed you into their home with homemade meals from her garden. We used to go ride their horses..wonderful memories.. may she rest in eternal peace with our heavenly fathers and all her family that has gone before her.
Jessica Spotted Bull says
Condolences to the family. Marge made a huge impact on my life and I will always be appreciative to her and all she taught me.
Robert/Terry McAnally says
We sadly say good-bye to this wonderful, unique lady. Her loss will be felt keenly by so many. Fly high, Marge. No more pain and suffering.
Brad Tande says
My sincere condolences…
Dohn Ratliff says
It was an honor to get to teach on the same staff! You were very encouraging and helped a young teacher with great advice! Godspeed!
Veronica StGermaine says
RIP Marge- our second family when we moved to Poplar I’m sorry we didn’t get to visit after Rose died my lifelong friend hugs to Bonnie and Larry I will catch up with you Bonnie..
Hugs and prayers Art And Veronica
Lauren Tobias says
I was so sad to hear of Marge’s passing. She would come into the old Poplar Wellness Center, where I worked in recent years, to teach yoga to a group of very devoted students of all ages, every week during semesters (regardless of the weather!). She was always a funny, light, and loving spirit to me and to many, based on how she was regarded by anyone who spoke of her. What a legend! Rest in peace, Marge.
Lupe Brown says
Margaret was a long time friend of my sister Linda Widhalm and her husband Tony. Marg made several trips to AZ to visit our family and we enjoyed spending time with her. My condolences to her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her.♥️
Teri Abbott says
Condolences to her family and friends 🙏🙏🙏