Margaret Tapp

Margaret Mary Hobyan Tapp died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Oct. 24, 2006. She had been residing in Fort Collins with her devoted husband of 61 years, James B. Tapp, USAF Ret. Margaret was born in Eveleth, Minn., to John and Francis Hobyan on Nov. 29, 1921. After graduating from Eveleth High School, she attended Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, Minn. Upon commencement, she worked at the Kahler Colonial Hospital, where she served as a surgical supervisor. Margaret and Jim married on July 11, 1945, in Eveleth, while Jim was on leave from the 78th Fighter Squadron in Iwo Jima. At the end of the war, the couple reunited and Margaret took the role of military wife and mother. Margaret, with her great, independent spirit, enjoyed her life as a military wife. She created a warm and loving home at all of their many assignments, from Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Alabama and Florida to California. After Margaret and Jim retired in 1970, they pursued their mutual love of the wilderness. They toured all the states, including Alaska, in their motor home and hiked limitless miles through our nation's parks. Margaret's favorite home away from home was always Yosemite in her beloved mountain peaks. Margaret is survived by her husband, Jim; her sons, John, of Fort Collins, and Jim, of Great Falls, Va.; and daughter, Mary, of Seattle. She also leaves two grandchildren, Caroline, of Los Angeles, and Sarah, of Mesa, Ariz.; two great-grandchildren; her sister Anne; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Francis, Mary and Olga; and her brothers, John and Louis. Margaret's family extends its warmest gratitude to the Purple Team of Hospice Larimer County. Thank you for comforting all of us in this difficult transition.
She touched many lives with her unconquerable spirit and ready smile. We will miss her. There will be a visitation from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Her final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Larimer County, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, CO 80524.