Margaret Dyanne Martell left this life from her home in the presence of her devoted husband and daughter on July 6, 2021. Margaret succumbed to a second, hard-fought courageous battle with cancer, the first over 20 years ago, Margaret’s faith and perseverance allowed her to defeat cancer and she survived and flourished. Margaret was 68 years young, born on March 19, 1953 in Cottonwood, Idaho and was raised and educated in Butte, the second oldest in a large and loud Irish-Catholic family.
On July 12, 1989 she married the love of her life, Tony Martell in Las Vegas at The Little White Chapel and spent the next 32 years building a life together. From this union came Holly Jo, God’s greatest gift to the Martells, a bright light and a source of joy. Margaret’s family was her greatest love.
Margaret was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly Hayes, (1996) and father, Emmet Hayes(1995). In addition to her husband, Tony and a daughter, Holly Jo, Margaret is survived by sisters Nancy (Fairchild) Kukay and her partner, Steven Schippers, Elizabeth Fairchild, Colleen Brown, brothers Michael and his wife Sherri Hayes, Edward Hayes, David and his wife Kathy Hayes and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her loyal, loving dogs, Bellah, Sampson, and Mariah.
Margaret survived the BVM nuns at St. Ann’s elementary and graduated Butte high school in 1971. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees from Montana Tech. She pursued her passion for good health and physical fitness when she opened her own fitness business devoted to women. Margaret was able to enhance her customers quality of life through health coaching. Never one to shy away from hard work, Margaret worked many years at the family business as well as her own. Margaret had a particular love for animals and surrounded herself always with a variety of critters. She understood the temperament and personality of each pet and could seemingly read their mind.
Margaret faced and overcame many life challenges with courage, determination, and grace. Not only did she had to endure the ravages and anxiety of cancer twice, the Martell’s house burned down. Margaret never gave up.
We will remember Margaret as the cute child we nicknamed “Chickee” as well as a strong-willed woman who knew her mind, carved her own path in life right until her last breath in her own home. She had an incisive mind that could cut through nonsense and focus on what was important. Her deep reserves of grit served her well; it took extraordinary courage to stay with cancer treatment and withstand all the daily challenges to her dignity and resolve.
She was a “Butte Tough” woman who is at last at peace.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Margaret.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Margaret and her family.
Kim Powers Cook says
I am sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. My thought and prayers to all of the family
Elizabeth says
She is so missed
Becky says
Very nice wtite up …love yas
Anna Dockter says
II am sorry to hear this Colleen, Elizabeth, and Hayes families. So worry to hear this
Anna Dockter says
II am sorry to hear this Colleen, Elizabeth, and Hayes families. So sorry to hear this
Sheila Kenny says
I am so sorry to hear that she is gone. My prayers are with you 🙏 and your family ❤️.
Richard McMahon says
My sincere condolences to all Margaret’s siblings and loved ones.
Thankyou to the obit’s author – nice job.
Richard McMahon
Tanya Sgrenci says
I am so sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. Pete and I send our love and prayers to you at this difficult time. What an intelligent, beautiful and courageous woman. You must have so many stories to tell and remember.
Love
Tanya (Your cousin and proud to be another ” Butte Tough” woman!!
Darlene Ruane says
I am sure she will be missed by all who knew her. My deepest sympathy to all her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lois Podobnik says
Beautiful tribute!
Carol Adamo says
My sincerest condolences to the Martell, Hayes and Fairchild families. Margaret and I had a lot of good memories together on Galena street. I know she will be greatly missed.
Gary & Joann Bracco says
Tony & Holly Jo, we are so sorry to hear about Margaret’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Please let us know if we can do anything.
Billie Jo Layne says
Holly and Tony, I am so very sorry to hear about Margaret. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed greatly. Please let me know if you guys need anything.
Fred Sullivan says
Tony & Holly I am so sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. You’re both in my prayers.
Kris Robertson Sullivan says
Tony and Holly Jo I am so sorry to hear about your loss and Margaret’s hard fought battle. Although it’s been years you are all often in my thoughts. Margaret was there for me through some very troubled times in my life and it truly was a blessing. I love you all very much and will be praying for you.
Amanda Swisher says
Holly and Tony, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom/wife/best friend. I always thought she was the coolest lady when we were children. I will keep you in my thoughts. Take care of yourselves.
Diane Doble McLaughlin says
Tony I am so sorry to hear this. : ( She had such a big Heart and YOU & Holly were so good to her and obviously Loved her so very much. Tony you are a Great Guy and want you to know my Heart goes out to you! Take care-sending You my Thoughts and Prayers!