Mary Margaret Popescu, age 78, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Golden Living Center-Bella Vista in Rapid City, SD.

Margaret was born July 1, 1930 in Raymond, MT to Carl and Antionette (Corckery) Stadstad. She attended grade school there. She attended Plentywood High School 1948. On August 24, 1955 she married James Pascu Popescu in Plentywood, MT.

Margaret's chosen career was being a waitress. In 1961 her family moved to SD. She worked at the State Veteran's Home in Hot Springs. In 1981 they moved to Cowley, WY and stayed there until 2004, when they returned to Hot Springs. Margaret began a nine year battle with Alzheimer's disease in 1999.

Margaret was an excellent secretary for James at his home accounting office. She was proud of the fact that she had donated several gallons of blood in her lifetime. she enjoyed playing cards and always let others know when she won, which was often. She also enjoyed dancing and sewing. She had a great love for all animals, especially cats.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, James of Hot Springs; four sons, Bryon (Darcy) Popescu; Carl (Denise) Popescu; Glen Popescu all of Hot Springs; Kelly Popescu of Worland, WY; a daughter, Renée (Craig) Dahlke Of Rapid City, SD; as well as nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Antionette Stadstad; her brothers, Dennis and Delmar Stadstad and her sister, Mavis Stadstad.

Visitation will be held 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 5, 2009 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2009 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Father Peter Kovarik officiating

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.