Margaret 'Peggy' Kusumoto

Margaret Fargo Spink was born in the family home at Fourth Ave EN in Kalispell to Monroe and Margaret. She was the youngest of four daughters; her beloved sisters were Lillian Thompson, Mabel Thompson, and Mary Stillman. Peggy met Heloshi (Losh) at Whitefish 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. Peggy was courageous and undeterred, and she followed her heart and sense of right despite anti-Japanese sentiments following WWII.

Peggy and Losh lived many places during their 66 years together; Montana State University, in a small cabin in Yellowstone Park, the Pacific Northwest, Springfield (Illinois), West Sacramento, and Hawaii. They returned to Kalispell in their later years, enjoying family, friends and golf.

Peggy was a truly special person. She was a doting Mother, constantly trying to mold her only son Neal into a good human. There was nothing she did not do for him and his wife Linda. She never gave in to Alzheimer’s disease; she retained her remarkable sense of humor, quick wit, and warm personality. Peggy 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 quip to bring a smile. We miss her dearly.

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