Rose “Suzy” Poole, 93, died peacefully in her home Tuesday, March 31, 2015, surrounded by family.

Suzy was born in Glengarry, MT on November 3, 1921. Raised on her parents’ homestead, she graduated from Fergus County High School in 1939 and went on to attend business college in Billings, MT. During World War II, Suzy entered the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, enlisting in July 1943 and training at Camp Lejeune, NC. She then served at the Pentagon until October of 1945. When the war ended, she returned home and worked as secretary to the governor of Montana in Helena, during which time she completed flight school and attained her pilot’s license, graduating in December, 1946.

On April 8, 1950, Suzy married Robert “Bob” Poole of Lewistown, MT. After briefly living in Livingston and then Lewistown, they eventually settled in Great Falls, where they raised three children. An avid player of duplicate bridge, Suzy was awarded Life Master by the American Contract Bridge League in 1981. She and Bob enjoyed playing golf together and celebrated a high point when she scored her hole-in-one at the Meadow Lark Country Club.

Suzy will doubtless be remembered for her poise and impeccable style. She was honest, generous of spirit, and possessed of an intellect at once fierce and unpretentious. But her greatest legacy will be the love and devotion she showed her friends and family. She is survived by her sister, Katie McDonald (Dale) of Louisville, KY; her children, Dan Poole of Woodinville, WA; Deb Poole of Iowa City, IA; and Barb Poole (Chris Hutchison) of Olathe, CO; and her grandchildren, Caleb Hill of Richmond, VA and Sarah Hill of Somerville, MA. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her brothers, George, Frank, Bill, and John Machler.

A gathering in celebration of Suzy’s life will be held this summer and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peace Hospice at P.O. Box 7008

Great Falls, MT 59406 or to the Rescue Mission of Great Falls at 311 2nd Ave S

Great Falls, MT 59403 or online at www.servicenetwork.com/olg/gfr.

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