Margaret Elizabeth Small Mains died peacefully on September 25. She had a long and wonderful life. Born December 2, 1914 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She was the youngest of six. She grew up in South Bend, Indiana.
In junior high she met her future husband, Thane Alfred Mains.
Margaret was graduating with a double major in History and French at the University of Illinois when she became interested in Modern Dance.
She received her Master’s in Dance at the University of Wisconsin. The Head of Dance Department there was Marge H’Dobler. She was Margaret’s teacher and mentor, and was a contemporary Martha Graham who were founders of Modern Dance.
In 1948, Margaret and Alfred drove to Wyoming. She had been hired to start the Dance Department at the University of Wyoming. Her focus was Modern Dance. She is one of the pioneers of Modern Dance in the Western United States.
She also had a dance studio in the family home. Modern, tap, and classical dance were taught to many of Laramie’s children.
Her UW Dance group, Orchesis, toured the State performing. Also, going to schools to show how dance and movement could be used as a tool for learning, exercise, and self-expression.
She spent her sabbatical learning and teaching dance in Japan. Her international travels took her around the world. She participated in, learned, and taught dance in 20+ countries.
She received many awards, including the Life Time Achievement award from the National Dance Association, The State of Wyoming Governor’s Heritage Award, and the UW Arts and Science Distinguished Faculty Award.
After retiring she continued to teach dance and travel. The UW Dance studio is dedicated in her name.
In the last eleven years, she was taken care of by her son, Mike and daughter, Michelle. Without Mike’s devoted care, her life would not have continued as it did. He was helped by dedicated caregiver, Arloa Harnden and early on by, Gloria Flores.
Michelle and husband Andy Sanchez live in Aspen, Colorado.
She was known as Margie to her friends and Mump to her children and their friends. She will be remembered for her zest for life and love of dance. She always urged everyone to “Keep on moving!”
A celebration will take place next spring. Memorial contributions can be made to the Margaret Mains Memorial Fund (2514 Park Avenue Laramie, Wyoming 82070).
Dear Mike and Michelle, My prayers are with you. Margie was a great influence in my life and I am so grateful to have known her. I hold dear our travels in Orchesis, in Spain, and through the world of dance that she founded. What an amazing and epoch life! Margaret will always be remembered. I loved her so. Carol
Mike, Michelle and Andy, Sincere condolences to you and your family at this time of sorrow. I remember taking dancing lessons from her years ago and enjoyed every moment in her exquisite talent. She was a wonderful happy lady of life ! Oceans of prayers and Love, Scott & Debby Parham
Mike and Michelle, May you find peace knowing that Margaret is dancing across heaven. She was so kind to me, sharing pictures, documents and family stories . Through Margaret, I was able to get a glimpse into the life of both of you and Thane Alfred. I cared and respected her greatly. May God Bless and keep you safe... Ann Blodgett
My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Margaret The loss of our dear loved ones and dealing with the grief is one of the most difficult and distressing circumstances to cope with. What has helped me to cope with the loss of a loved one is remembering that our loved one now safely rests in the memory of our grand creator Jehovah (Psalm 83:18) waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise hope of a resurrection found in the Bible at Acts 24:15 and at John 5:28,29. By meditating on on these promises from God you can find real hope and strength to keep going (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
Mike, Michelle, and Andy, I know one thing your Mother created that I'm thankful for and that is her Children. The Pride and Love in your voice and heart when you spoke about your Mother is an inspiration for all families. My thoughts are with you all, Rebecca Corona
Mike, Michelle & Andy - What a full and amazing life your mom had. Truly the end of an era, thinking of you - Lynne Painter Lanning:)
Your mother was part of my life, my rich childhood. Always a smile. Always encoraging. A gift to know her and you. Precious. I am so grateful.
Michelle - so sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her well from our days in Laramie. She was always sweet and gracious. My prayers are with you and Andy. Alice