Margaret 'Peggy' Kusumoto, 86

Margaret “Peggy” Kusumoto died on March 15, 2017.

She was married to Heloshi (Losh) for 66 years, living and loving in true commitment through hard times and good ones. Peggy was an incredible mother to her only child, Neal, who flourished under her love and guidance. She always told the truth, no matter how difficult, and she always had a quip to make you laugh!

Peggy Fargo Spink was born at the family home at Fourth Avenue East North in Kalispell on Feb. 20, 1931, to Monroe and Margaret. She was the youngest of four daughters; her beloved sisters were Lillian Thompson, Mabel Thompson and Mary Stillman. Her local nieces are Janet Lund, Sandra Lindstrom, Mary Lupton and Jamie Lennick. Peggy’s family moved to Whitefish when she was a teen, where she met Losh in high school. Typical of her iron will and strength to “do the right thing,” she and Losh drove to Spokane to get married because interracial marriage was against the law in Montana (and Idaho) in 1950. Peggy was courageous and undeterred, and she followed her heart and sense of right despite anti-Japanese sentiments following World War II.

Peggy and Losh lived many places during their life together —outside the campus of Montana State University, in a small cabin in Yellowstone Park, on the coast of the Pacific Northwest, in Springfield, Illinois, West Sacramento, California, and Lanikai and Makaha, Hawaii. Peggy worked in various jobs as she followed Losh, including many years for the Boy Scouts of America. They returned home to Kalispell in their later years, enjoying family, friends and golf. She was an avid golfer, enjoying the camaraderie of many friends.

She loved dogs — fat ones, small ones, long ones and short ones. To Peggy dogs embodied the best of any breed — loyal, reliable, always happy to see you and wanting nothing more than love ... and perhaps a small treat. Eartha Kitty, Useless (named by Losh), Angel, Spanky, Cocoa and Hoa were part of the family. She even converted Losh, who did not grow up with pets, into a dog lover.

She was a doting mother, constantly trying to mold her only son into a good human. She was always there, always had the right guidance, always so supportive. There was nothing she did not do for Neal and his wife Linda.

Peggy was a truly special person. She never gave in to Alzheimer’s disease; she retained her remarkable sense of humor, quick wit, and warm personality. She was a tough Montana woman who smiled until her last day. She was loved and admired by family and friends. Honest no matter the consequences, she always did what was right. Smart and sharp, she always had an instant wisecrack to bring a smile. We miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 23, at First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish.

Memorials can be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana.