Margaret A. Berlien

Margaret A. (Moran) Berlien, 90, of Great Falls, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2016 from COPD at Goldstone Assisted Living.A memorial service will be Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Margaret was born November 7, 1925 in Great Falls, Montana to Thomas and Mabel Moran. She was the youngest of 6 children and graduated from GFHS in 1943. Her first marriage to Mike Roberts blessed her with Dianna and Mike. She later met the love of her life, Clarence Larry Berlien and was blessed with Nancy and Joann.In the 50s and 60s, Mom worked for several retail stores in Great Falls and also for the American Red Cross, first as a volunteer and later as their Military Family Services Director. While in Indiana in the 70s, she first discovered she had a natural gift for Tole painting, ultimately teaching this art form at her Indiana store and when she was co-owner of the Painting Zoo in Great Falls.Moms creativity and love of good music was very apparent in her home and continues on in her childrens homes. Enjoying family holiday gatherings, playing games and cards with her children, grandchildren and friends was another love. She always said her children were her best friends and she was so blessed by having them. Strangers were friends she hadnt met yet. Those who knew her loved her very much. She will be greatly missed by many.She was survived by three children, Mike (Tedi) Roberts of Reading, PA; Nancy (Doug) Stiner of Bozeman, and Joann (George) Yates of Great Falls; 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren,1 great- great grandchild and 2 on the way.She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; daughter Dianna Neary; grandchildren Heather Dotson and Jeanie Neary; her parents; siblings and many cousins.