May 18th, 2022

​Margaret Tangen
August 10, 1943 – May 11, 2022

Let’s dance again and fly away
Oh, Hazel Eyes!
Don’t be afraid and forget all the pain
Oh, Hazel Eyes!Margaret Tangen, 78, died Wednesday, May 11, 2022, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She waited for her son, Ed to get to Deer Lodge to say his goodbyes. Margaret was born Aug. 10, 1943, to Gerald and Margaret (Metcalfe) Hughley.
She was loving, compassionate, intelligent, strong and resilient. Born in Anaconda, Mont., Margaret lived in Spokane for a few years before settling in Deer Lodge, where she met her forever friend, Carol Landsiedel Hunt. Margaret graduated with honors from Powell County High School in 1961. She attended Butte Business School and worked at Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan and NAPA before becoming a full-time homemaker. She married Donald Tangen on April 24, 1976. Together they raised four children, Ed, Rob, Peggy and Kristin.
Mom’s resiliency and love of life were inspiring. Although she had several health issues, none of them stopped her from living in her own home, taking care of herself and others, and living her best life. Where her mind and heart were willing, her body was tired. Mom was the smartest and kindest person you could meet. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom had a way with kids and pets. Loved by all, the kids always wanted to be at “Nana’s House.” She taught us the value of hard work, generosity and humor.
Mom joins her beloved husband, Donald Tangen; parents, Gerald and Margaret Hughley; father and mother-in-law, Orlando Tangen and Eunice Connolly; brother John Hughley; sisters Florence Gill and Mary Lee Hamilton; an infant daughter, Sandra Jean; and son William Robert “Rob” Ayers.
She is survived by her son, Edward Ayers; daughters Peggy (Jim) Nesbitt and Kristin (Jason) Rohling; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two greats on the way; as well as her family by choice, Carol Hunt, and Tracy and Eric Klapan.
A Celebration of Life is set for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Pen Convention Center, 925 Main St.; lunch will be served. Condolences can be mailed to Margaret Tangen Family, 1109 Washington St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or email peggy.nesbitt@umontana.edu.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the PAWHS Animal Shelter or any charity that benefits underserved populations.

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