Margaret Sudeikis

In everything she did, Margaret M. Sudeikis thought of others first and foremost. She was deeply devoted to the people she loved, and she was a stranger to none but a friend to all. Margaret loved being outside and was a bit of a tomboy, too, with a passion for all things baseball. Never one to worry about the things of this world, she was a blessing to everyone she met, and her zest for life was contagious. Margaret’s quiet strength and graceful courage were such an inspiration as she never lost sight of helping others, even when engaged in the long battle for her life. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

The 1960s were an exciting time in American history when the cultural fabric of our nation was being transformed before our very eyes. Early on we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, only to mourn his death a short time later. This was the decade that also brought great strides in civil rights, and as the decade drew to a close we celebrated putting the first man on the moon. It was as we turned to welcome in the year 1969 that John and Gladys (Murphy) Sudeikis were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as winter held the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, firmly in its grip. The big day finally arrived on January 29th when the baby girl they named Margaret M. drew her first breath. She was the second of four children and was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Barbara, John, and Mary. Margaret was a bit of a tomboy who loved playing outside and could often be found out riding her bike, fishing and flying kites, or playing with her little brother. She enjoyed playing softball including participating in Westwood Little League, she also enjoyed walking up to the courts at Kalamazoo Central High School to play tennis with her sister. She loved spending time and volunteering with the elderly, animals and children, she spent many years housesitting, babysitting and tending for the animals of her friends and family. Many times she became part of their family as she often served these friends for years, especially when it came to the Ettwein family.

A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, Margaret attended St. Augustine Elementary School, and then went on to Kalamazoo Central High School, graduating in 1988. Graduating from high school was one of Margaret’s proudest moments, and she also enjoyed her time taking classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She started her work career at Jewel until they closed their Michigan locations. She then took an opportunity, which became her passion, working with the elderly at Friendship Village. Margaret had a special touch in working with the elderly, and was much loved by the staff and residents at Friendship Village. She spent 28 years working for Friendship Village and was very proud that she was able to work and serve the residents that she was so fond of until her final months. Margaret was sweet, caring, and gentle by nature, and she also lived life only seeing the good in people.

As her family and friends can attest, Margaret was a sports enthusiast, especially when it came to baseball. She loved the Tigers, she had an extensive collection of baseball cards, and an immense pride for our home grown Westwood baseball family. With the influences of her good friend Mickey, and her father she also was also a Cubs fan, but her loyalty was always to all the Michigan teams first. As an adult, Margaret had a natural talent for bowling, and for many years she bowled with numerous leagues and participated in multiple state and national tournaments. Margaret loved to travel. She took a memorable two week trip to Europe in high school with her cousin Jenny. Her preferred mode of transport was always her car, taking many trips to visit her family in Ohio, Colorado, and even Texas. Margaret also had a great passion for music and enjoyed going to see live concerts, often with her sister, Barbara. Margaret was a huge Beatles fan and also enjoyed classic rock, recently, she had gone to a Hall and Oats concert with her two sisters and had plans to attend Pat Benatar. She kept engaged in life until her final hours, embracing the time with her family and friends and pushing herself to keep active with her brother, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Margaret was one to keep busy in a variety of other ways. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she sang in the choir. Margaret loved being there and was also part of a women’s group through the church. She took an active role in the lives of her younger siblings, and soon became a friend and confidant to multiple Kalamazoo generations by befriending her siblings friends and family as well. Because she loved being with people, she looked forward to all holidays and family events. Margaret knew when it was someone’s birthday, always marking these special days with a card. Margaret loved to read and she loved movies and TV. Her favorite film was the Wizard of Oz, and her favorite TV show was Star Trek. Margaret was easy to please and preferred basic foods like Kraft macaroni and cheese.

On September 10, 2001, Margaret was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. She fought hard and wanted to help others so she was always game for trying something experimental throughout her treatment. Last summer her cancer expanded and began to spread. Margaret remained courageous, never complained, and continued with her regular activities like working until recently. She did amazingly and never lost hope even through her last round of chemotherapy.

A lover of life and a lover of people, Margaret Sudeikis was such a blessing. She was kindhearted and genuine, the sort of person who could never get angry with anyone. Margaret lived a rewarding life filled with countless enriching experiences shared with her family and friends. She will never be forgotten.

Margaret Sudeikis, of Kalamazoo, died on July 18, 2015, in Kalamazoo. Margaret’s family includes her mother, Gladys Sudeikis; 3 siblings: Barbara Sudeikis, John Sudeikis, Jr., and Mary (Arthur) Cordova; and 5 nieces and nephews: Kaylee, Andrea, Marisa, John, and James. Margaret was preceded in death by her father. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Please visit Margaret’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or West Michigan Cancer Center. Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900.