Margaret Gerst of Helena, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2015 at age 93. Margaret and her twin sister Hilda were born in Hohenklingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany on December 14, 1921 to a family of 12 children. The Gerst family lived on a small farm and vineyard where the children learned the value of hard work, especially after Margaret’s father passed away when she was a child. The war was difficult for the family, and Margaret moved to the United States in 1951, hoping to help financially support them. She was sponsored by an Army Colonel and his family, having cared for the family’s young son in Heidelberg, before moving to Helena.
Margaret was well known and loved by friends, neighbors, cats and dogs in the 400 blocks of Park and Benton Avenue where she lived for over 50 years. She walked several miles each day and everyone recognized her “woohoo” call announcing her arrival. The cats and dogs eagerly awaited the treats Margaret carried for them. Her neighborhood friends also enjoyed the German “spaetzle” noodles she made from scratch. Over the years Margaret worked for many families in Helena, cooking, cleaning and taking care of children. Margaret was an avid gardener and photographer.
In 2011 Margaret moved into Son Heaven assisted living where she continued her walks and enjoyed her morning breakfast of eggs, toast and coffee. Margaret was a people watcher and found her place in the Son Heaven day room where she could watch the comings and goings of staff, residents and visitors – and occasional dogs and cats!
Margaret outlived all of her siblings, and is survived by nieces Kornelia and Margarete of the family home in Hohenklingen, Germany, and grandnephew Stefan. Her “adopted” American family includes “the girls” Nell, Emily, Chloe and Sophie Becker, and numerous close friends and neighbors. She will be missed by all.
Special thanks to the staff of Son Heaven for all the great care Margaret received over the years.
At Margaret’s request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Friends are planning a gathering in summer 2016 to remember Margaret. Donations in Margaret’s name should be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave., Helena.
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Janie Petaja says
Margaret walked miles to watch over the neighborhood cats, feeding the homeless ones and finding homes for them. She had wonderful stories of her life and was always ready to stop and share a visit. She brought puppy treats in her pockets and when she stopped to chat would have instant canine friends. Margaret made Helena a better place with just by living here. My condolences to her loved ones, and what sweet memories I’ll have of her.
Donna Paul says
I met Margaret at the doctor’s office where I worked. She always made me smile with her very German no nonsense demeanor. Her love of the Baker family gave her the family she had left in Germany as a young lady. Animals had a true friend in Margaret as she always had a treat for them as she did her daily walks. She was certainly before her time when she embarked on a new life in a new country. I will treasure the memories I have of her.
Sally says
I met Margaret in 1984 when I bought my house on Holter Street. She saw many pets come and go from my life and always had a treat for each of them. They could spot her a block or more away and could not wait to get close to her when we were out walking and saw her on one of her many walks. Margaret was a delightful, intelligent, kind, and loving person. We often discussed current events and shared a dislike of the New York Yankees. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive attitude about life and was always smiling. I will treasure the stories that she told me about her life growing up in Germany. I have really missed her presence in our neighborhood since she moved into assisted living. She was one of Helena’s real treasures and a dear friend to me for many, many years.