Obituary: Mary Margaret Garman
Author: Family of Mary Margaret Garman
Mary Margaret Garman
Family of Mary Margaret Garman
Mary Margaret Garman, age 69, of Townsend
January 25, 1957 – February 12, 2026
Mary Wood Garman (69) was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at home with her loving family at her side after a short battle with cancer.
With grace, curiosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family, Mary lived a life filled with purpose and love. A devoted mother of four, she found joy in nurturing young minds through teaching, expressing herself through music, and exploring the world alongside those she loved most. She approached everything in life with an enthusiasm and generosity that left a lasting impression on all. Her warmth and wisdom touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Mary was born in Devils Lake, ND to Robert and Margerie (Gonvick) Wood on January 25th, 1957. She attended Minnie H. Elementary and graduated from Central High School in 1975. She completed a BA in Education at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and an MS degree in Health and Human Development at Montana State University in Bozeman. Though she enjoyed her work as a licensed therapist, she found her way back into her original career as a teacher and knew this was truly her niche. She taught at Dunseith High School from 1980-1982 and at Bryant Elementary and CR Anderson Middle School in Helena from 2002 to 2023. She loved teaching and she impacted countless children through her work with the Special Education program in Helena.
Her love of music really showed with her involvement with her accordion trio, Not Quite Ripe, Helena Tuba Society, New Horizons Band, and the Capitol City Band. She faithfully played for Sunday Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church for many years. She always said God needs more piano players. She also directed and helped with countless music productions and shows over the years. Her kids’ childhood was full of music.
Mary is survived by Jack Garman, her spouse of 42 years. She also had four children: Emma (Will) Hyde of Stevensville, MT; Anthony (Karla) Garman of Billings, MT; Pamela Garman of Billings, MT; and Claire (Jerry) Hunter of Grandview, WA. Her grandchildren included Cadence Hyde, Alaina Hyde, Rose Hyde, Maria Hyde, Eleanor Hyde, Isaac Hyde, Andre Hunter, and Amari Hunter, along with many other family and friends who will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother Robbie.
Mary was very appreciative of the care and support she received from the Bozeman Health Cancer Center, especially Dr. Maye. She also greatly appreciated the warm care she received from Enhabit Hospice Care, especially Ellery.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 am on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 S Walnut St., Townsend, MT 59644. Burial followed to Holy Cross Cemetery, Townsend, MT. A reception was held after the burial at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Condolences in Mary's memory can be shared at https://www.stevensonwilke.com.
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