Margaret Lonardo

Margaret Lonardo died peacefully in her sleep on August 6, 2018 at Gallatin County Rest Home. She was born on August 14, 1924 in Warren, Rhode Island to Margaret and Antone Mello, and grew up on the family farm along with one sister and four brothers. As a child of the depression era, she was forced to quit school at a young age, so she could help with providing for the needs of the family.



Margaret met and married Luigi (Louie) Lonardo shortly after WWII. They were wed in Providence, Rhode Island on September 20, 1947 and were married for 55 years until his passing in 2002. Margaret spent most of her adult life working in numerous factories that made costume jewelry, macaroni, and finally popcorn, until she retired. She and Louie moved to Bozeman in 1991 to be with their only daughter Peg Potter, son-in-law Jon, and only grandson Brett. She and Louie especially enjoyed their time spent watching Brett playing the drums in school concerts and competing in sports.



Margaret loved spending time with her family. They would all play card games or outdoor games, especially horseshoes and bocce ball, but her greatest joy was always cooking. She loved to make her favorite meals (mostly Italian), and she loved to bake. The kitchen was her favorite room in her home, and she took great joy in having family and friends over to gather around the kitchen and enjoy her creations. No one ever went home hungry.



She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and her loving husband Louis. She is survived by her daughter Peg Potter, son-in-law Jon Potter, and grandson Brett Potter; her sister and brother-in-law Phoebe and Tony Andrade of Riverside, Rhode Island; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rose and George Trabucco of Providence, Rhode Island; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.



A Vigil Service and Celebration of Life (everyone is welcome to share a story of Margaret) will be held at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 5:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 11:00am, with a luncheon to follow. A private burial will occur at a later time.