Margaret 'Peggy' Pepper

Margaret Ann (Peggy) Pepper lost her courageous battle with cancer on January 26th at the age of 64. Peggy was born on August 6, 1946 in Missoula, Montana, the eldest of the five children of Michael J. (Mack) and Lois Ashton Hughes. Peggy grew up in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1964. After a year at Montana State, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Eastern Montana College in 1968. She assisted in the initial development of the elementary physical education curriculum and intramural program for 4th -6th grades for the Helena school system. On June 13, 1970 she married Joseph Pepper (deceased) of Wilsall, Montana. Following several years in Denver, Colorado, she has spent nearly 35 years in Bozeman. Peggy worked for American Simmental Assoc. for 22 years. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, father and grandparents. She is survived by her mother Lois, her two devoted and loving children, Brian Pepper of Bozeman, and Jennifer Brandt (Jim) of Plano, Texas, and her siblings Michele Carpenter (Gary) of Colorado Springs, Gregory Hughes (Gerry) of Helena, William Hughes (Ruth) of Butte, and Thomas Hughes (Barb) of Derwood, Maryland, along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will all miss her loving and caring ways. Over the last 10 months, her first grandchild, Owen Michael Brandt, brought her great joy during his frequent visits from Texas. She felt blessed that she was able to experience the many changes that took place during Owen's first year. Over her many years in Bozeman, Peggy developed numerous close friendships through her altruistic activities. She was especially involved with Resurrection Catholic Church and for many years the Lioness organization. Peggy was very proud to receive the Melvin Jones Fellows, Lions International Foundation Award for her Dedicated Humanitarian Service. She will be greatly missed by her many friends, and was especially thankful for the unending support from her dear friends of over 30 years, Libby and Rick Cameron. Peggy enjoyed her flower garden, baking, and was an avid fan of the Bobcats. Regardless of what interest she pursued, she always considered the needs of others before her own. A Vigil celebrating Peggy's life will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Parish. Funeral Mass will take place at Resurrection Catholic Parish at 10:30 am on Monday, January 31, 2011. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bozeman Cancer Center, 931 Highland Blvd #3130, Bozeman, MT 59715 or the charity of your choice.