Margo K Britzmann

Margo Kay Britzmann, 66, of Troy, Idaho, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Paradise Creek Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia in Moscow, Idaho. After facing lung cancer and the effects of its treatment for five years—far exceeding expected survival—she met the challenge with determination and stubborn strength, supported by her oncology team, family, and friends. She remained deeply grateful for the extra years that allowed her to enjoy time at Lake Coeur d’Alene, visits to Kauai, and even attending a Packers game at Lambeau Field, fulfilling her bucket list.

Born in Bad Cannstatt, Germany, to Burt and Joan Britzmann, Margo was one of six children. When she was two, the family moved to Moscow, Idaho. As the second-youngest in a lively household with four brothers and an older sister, she grew up surrounded by humor, adventure, and activity. The family spent countless hours camping, swimming, snow skiing, and water skiing, with laughter always close at hand.

Margo attended Moscow public schools and graduated from Moscow High School in 1978. As a teenager she became a ballet dancer with Ballet Folk, Idaho’s first ballet company. Her height and strength helped her progress quickly, and she cherished performing her first choreographed piece to Dvořák’s Humoresque while also enjoying teaching younger dancers. She later trained at Mr. Leon’s School of Hair Design, becoming a certified beautician, and worked as a medical receptionist at the Moscow Clinic, where she shared time with her father, Dr. Burt Britzmann, and enjoyed going home for lunch with her brother Doak to watch All My Children.

In 1995 Margo moved to Troy, where she purchased her home. She later met Curt Thomas, and they married on Kauai in 2012 with her mother, brother Dan, and Curt’s daughter Hannah present. Their home became a welcoming gathering place for friends over the past fourteen years. Margo nurtured a love of gardening and cooking, and her deep affection for animals led her to adopt many dogs and cats, often from the Humane Society, who became cherished companions. She loved horseback riding and caring for her own horse, backpacking and camping in the mountains, and spending summers with family at a floating cabin at Hidden Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene and later at her trailer at Conkling Park, where she formed many lasting friendships while boating on the lake and up the St. Joe River.

Margo delighted in Christmas despite her dislike of cold weather. She maintained an impressive collection of decorations that filled her home and yard, and each winter she and Curt hosted friends for fireworks, potluck, and drinks in their snowy yard. Independent, strong, and determined, she faced life’s challenges with quiet resilience and held a deep love for her family and many dear friends.

Margo was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Doak. She is survived by her husband, Curt Thomas; her siblings, Dianne Thompson (John), Brad Britzmann (Leslie), Mitch Britzmann (Jean), and Dan Britzmann (Katy); Curt’s daughter Hannah Thomas; her nieces and nephews, Leslie, Steven, Elisabeth, Sophie, Sam, Brady, Monterey, and KiKi; and family members from her Iowa roots. In her memory, donations may be made to the Humane Society of the Palouse. A private gathering will be held to spread her ashes according to her wishes, and a celebration of life is planned for this summer.