Margana Daines Wengart

If you were to meet Margana, it would probably be at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman, Montana at the Big Sky Country State Fair. Morgana was famous for her award-winning pastries, cakes, and pies. She could be listed as the leading “Super Mom” of Montana, participating in community events, PTA, church groups, and joyfully committed to her family's happiness. Margana had a smile that warmed your heart, yet when she gave her kids the “teacher look”, they knew they were out of line, and needed to readjust their priorities, as it were.

Morgana had an even temperament, but look out if you tried to push her into a corner, figuratively speaking. She didn't appreciate people mispronouncing her name. (Mar-gáh-nah)  Being the center of attention was not her favorite thing. She was 5 foot 10, tall for a woman, fair skin, sandy blonde hair, hazel eyes, wearing little makeup except for special occasions. Her clothing style was classy, casual, preferring long skirts, jeans, flats, sometimes low heels for business and church occasions. 

Margana's health was robust, and her quiet, subdued personality could fool you, because beneath that calm exterior was a superb organizer. When directing her children's activities, she sometimes felt that life could be too hectic, and she just wanted time alone. She was a stay-at-home mom who was very approachable, and you would never suspect that she came from old money. Her reputation was flawless, admired by all her friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and her large extended family. Margana’s mindset was: God first, Herschel next, then her children. Her relationship with her Creator and Lord was one of the quiet, sincere faithfulness. Her mother, Julia Winthur Daines, was the executor and administrator for the Winthur Family Trust, and Margana always felt intimidated by Julia's strength, power and beauty. But she turned all these feelings over to God in prayer. 

Morgana's dad, Larmon Daines, Larry to his friends and family, was an easy going, life of the party, guy, but took his position as Sheriff of Gallatin County very seriously. First born Margana was Daddy's precious little girl, and she loved spending time with him on her other grandad's ranch, riding together on their favorite horses. Often, they would be joined by her brothers Jeffrey and Steven, and her sister Cassandra. Her passion was her love for Herschel, her knight in shining armor, and her ambition was to see her children grow to love each other as they became adults, fulfilled in the life they dreamed of. 

When Morgana's family got together for holidays at their home, it would be joyful Hallmark moments, a scrumptious feast, and singing and playing instruments. Margana was an accomplished pianist and had a beautiful and lilting mezzo soprano voice. Her enduring virtues were patience, kindness, gentleness, and loyalty. Margana's childhood was spent in wealthy surroundings. Her mother, Julia, would tell her of her ancestors’ accomplishments regarding gold mines, land acquisition, hard work, and generations of visionaries. She was expected to live in such a way as to bring honor to her forebears. Julia and Larmon encouraged her to remain down-to-earth and not let the family’s riches overshadow the lessons of humility, responsibility, and gratitude her parents taught her all her life.