Margaret Ilene (Merrill) Fraiser, 86

Margaret Ilene Merrill Brewer, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, after a seven-year battle with dementia.

Margaret was born on Aug. 30, 1940, in Burley, Idaho, to Florence and Orval Merrill. She had the special distinction of being born on the birthday of her grandfather, Ivan Merrill, creating a family connection that was always meaningful. She grew up with three brothers and one sister, who passed away early in life.

Margaret graduated from Burley High School on May 21, 1958, and soon afterward left Idaho to attend Stevens-Henager College in Salt Lake City, Utah. A dedicated and accomplished student, Margaret graduated at the top of her class on June 20, 1959.

While attending college, Margaret met David Lawrence Brewer, who was serving in the United States Army. The two fell in love and were married on Dec. 19, 1959, in a civil ceremony at the Springdale Chapel. They eventually made their home in Riverside, California, where they welcomed two children: their son, David Troy Brewer, born Jan. 27, 1962, and their daughter, Diane Michelle Brewer, born March 2, 1963.

Following the end of her marriage a few years later, Margaret began what would become a long and dedicated career with the State of California. While working for the Department of Corrections, she met Alvin Fraiser. After they married, Margaret and Alvin relocated to San Diego in 1970.

Margaret later began working for the California Department of Rehabilitation, where she spent many years helping serve the blind and visually impaired in downtown San Diego. She remained with the department until her retirement in 2000, concluding a long career of public service.

In 2001, Margaret moved to Elk Grove, California, to be closer to her daughter, Diane, and her growing family. Being a mother and grandmother was one of the great joys of Margaret's life, and that joy only grew when she became a great-grandmother. Family was always at the center of her world.

Margaret had many talents and interests that brought her happiness throughout her life. She was an avid reader who could lose herself in the pages of a good book, and she loved working with her hands. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and quilting, creating beautiful things that became treasured reminders of her love. One of her favorite traditions was making special quilts and blankets to welcome new grandbabies and great-grandbabies into the family. Each was made by hand and with love, becoming a keepsake that could be wrapped around the newest member of the family - a tangible reminder of Grandma's love that will continue to be cherished for generations.

Margaret was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her faith remained an important part of her life. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and enjoyed the friendship and fellowship she found as a member of the Red Hat Society.

She had a wonderful sense of adventure and loved to travel, especially when that travel involved a cruise. She treasured the opportunity to see new places, make memories, and spend time with the people she loved.
Margaret also experienced profound loss during her lifetime. 

In January 2011, her only son, David Troy, passed away shortly before his 49th birthday. In 2021, she suffered another heartbreaking loss when her grandson Alec, with whom she shared a particularly close bond, passed away. Although those losses left permanent places in her heart, Margaret continued to find comfort and happiness in the generations of family surrounding her.

In 2020, Margaret moved to Kalispell, where she made her home with her daughter Diane and son-in-law David Wigginton. There, she was surrounded by family as dementia gradually began to take more and more from her. For seven years, she faced the disease until she peacefully completed her earthly journey at home on Sept. 29, 2026.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Diane Wigginton, and son-in-law, David Wigginton; her granddaughter, Nicole Frontiero; grandsons Ethan Wigginton, David Wigginton IV, Joel Wigginton, and Jared Wigginton; granddaughters Lauren Brewer and Sarah Brewer; and 12 beloved great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, David Troy Brewer; her grandson, Alec; her parents, Florence and Orval Merrill; and her sister, Rose Ann, and brothers Wayne, Gary, and Michael, who passed away early in life.

Margaret's life was measured not simply by the years she lived, but by the family she loved, the friendships she treasured, the service she gave, and the memories she created along the way. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and each role added another chapter to a life that touched generations.

Though she will be deeply missed, pieces of Margaret will remain everywhere — in the family she raised, the stories that will continue to be told, the books she loved, and the handmade quilts and blankets still wrapped around the children she cherished. 

Her hands may be still, but the love she stitched into her family will remain for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 S. Main St., Kalispell.