Margaret Orban

Margaret Orban (nee: Dudish), age 96, a beautiful, faith filled, loving mother was called to heaven on Saturday May 21, 2016 with family and caregivers by her side.

Margaret was born in Auburn, Illinois on May 29, 1919, daughter of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Dudish. Margaret was raised in Milwaukee and Racine. She graduated with honors from Park High School and was a cheerleader. Margaret was united in marriage on August 30, 1941 at the Hungarian Evangelical Reformed Church (later called Providence Presbyterian Church) to the love of her life, Frank Orban. They celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Margaret was very proud of her Hungarian heritage. She was a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the Ladies Aid. The church then merged with Covenant Presbyterian Church where she is a dedicated member. Margaret was a wonderful cook and made great desserts, and numerous Hungarian specialties. While her life calling was making a home for her family, she also found fulfillment in working at Hamilton Beach, Masik’s Meats, and Eitels. She enjoyed participating in school activities with her daughters, loved gardening, playing cards, dancing and watching her grandson play football. Her strong faith and favorite verse “I can do all things through GOD who strengthens me.” enabled her to face life’s joys, sorrows and challenges. Margaret was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, loyal friend and will live on in the kindness she showed, the comfort she shared and the love that she brought into our lives.

She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Judi Smith and Jamie Brooks; grandson, Jason Smith (Becky Bursek); niece, Joanne Dudish of AZ and nephew Andy (Linda) Dudish of PA, on her side; sister-in-law, Elaine Orban; many nieces and nephews on the Orban family side; other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sons-in-law, Bill Brooks and Bruce Smith; brother, Andy Dudish; sisters, Ann (Ladis) Zahalka, Julie Dudish; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kay Dudish, Lorraine (Wally) Orban, Irene (Einer) Jensen, George Orban, Richard (Glendora) Orban; and nephew, Wally Orban.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday May 26, 2016, 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Melanie Hammond Clark officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her loving caregivers, Jacqueline Christmas, Phyllis Wear, Ginny Vasquez, and Maggie Cruz who provided laughter, joy, comfort, love and tears with Margaret’s journey through Dementia. With much love and gratitude to her neighbors Chantisa (who was also a caregiver) and her husband Seth Knecht who watched over Mom and were always there to support and help Margaret. Thank you to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, especially to Mary Jensen (case manager) and Jill Zongolowicz (aide), and with much gratitude and love to Pastor Melanie Hammond Clark.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME

803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403

(262) 634-7888