Marjorie Davidson

Marjorie L. Davidson, 85, of Great Falls, died of natural causes Monday, October 31, at her home.Visitation is from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Schnider Funeral Home. A funeral service is 2 p.m. Sunday at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Graveside services are 11 a.m. Monday in Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Marge was a musician and performer from an early age. In the family tradition, she took piano lessons. She also took voice lessons and played french horn in the Fort Benton High School band. In high school, she was a member of the Thespians and was active in theater. She attended Willamette University on scholarship and later attended Montana State College in Bozeman, studying music in both places and singing with jazz and dance bands, one of which included her future husband on stand-up bass.Marge met Dave Davidson at college in Bozeman. They were married in Great Falls in September of 1949, beginning a partnership that lasted 59 years until Dave's death in 2008 and was a powerful example to their children of a marriage based on love, respect and devotion. The first of their five children, Carol, was born in October of 1950. Carol was followed by Marilyn in April of 1952, Scott in January 1954, Bruce in June of 1956 and Craig in December 1959. Marge was a devoted and loving mother, working the long hours it takes, year after year, to raise five children and manage a home. Marge also had a large and significant presence outside the home. She was active in Junior League, PEO and the Red Hat Society. For decades, she was a vital member of the First Congregational Church - singing in the choir, singing solos and serving on numerous committees. She was also a member of the Great Falls Symphony Choir for 30 years and sang in the Montana Chorale. The legacy of music and art she created with her husband is one of the many gifts she passed on to her children. Her daily example of selflessness, both inside and outside of the house, is another. Her community involvement extended to her children's lives as well. She was a Cub Scout den mother and an active participant in their athletic and musical endeavors. In the end, though, her family was her sanctuary, inspiration and greatest commitment. She loved her children and grandchildren and loved the time she got to spend with them at the family cabin on Seeley Lake. Marge's presence in her community and the larger world was profound and will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. She loved to laugh and sing and cook and entertain. She shined when she sang alone, and she made everyone better when she sang in a group. She made us better as people. Her legacy and example will continue to make us better.Marge was preceded in death by her husband, David Davidson; parents Lloyd and Gladys Huffman; brothers Lawrence Huffman, Russell Huffman, Roy Huffman and Donald Huffman; and sister Virginia Huffman. Survivors include daughters Carol Davidson of Great Falls and Marilyn (Russ) Faris of Missoula; sons Scott (Sharon) Davidson of Missoula, Bruce Davidson of Great Falls and Craig (Jeenee) Davidson of Minneapolis; brother Howard Huffman of Salem, Ore.; grandchildren Ryan and Kevin Faris, Jeff and Sara Lettus, Emma Davidson and Seeley Davidson; and four great-grandchildren, Calyn, Rylee and Luke Lettus and Rhys Faris, and two more great-grandchildren on the way.Memorials in the name of Marjorie Davidson can be made to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2900 9th Ave. South, Great Falls, Montana 59405, or the Great Falls Symphony Association, 11 3rd St. North, Great Falls, MT 59401-3103.