Peggy Czyzewski

Like the brilliant colors of a sunrise painted across the sky, Peggy Czyzewski was vibrant, fun-loving, and full of life. She didn’t just live life, she took in every moment, savoring so much of what the world has to offer. Peggy viewed her role as a mother to be both her highest calling and her greatest gift, and she happily watched her family tree grow to include grandchildren as well. When it came to Peggy, one could always count on her to be straightforward as she rarely shied away from telling it like she saw it. Although we would have loved more time with Peggy, we will forever treasure the good times we shared.

As the seventies dawned in America, we were ready to put the decade of the sixties behind us with the turbulence of the Civil Rights Movement, the assassination of the youngest American President in our history, and the rising threat Fidel Castro posed to our nation. The seventies continued to shape the cultural fabric of our nation with the introduction of the floppy disc, the growing role of women in politics, and the music of Aerosmith, the Eagles, and Bob Marley. It was during this memorable time that Peggy’s story begins as she was welcomed into the world on April 26, 1970. Raised by her parents, Mike and Patty (Booth) Kemple, Peggy was one of five children born to her mother. She called the Kalamazoo area home throughout her formative years alongside her siblings, Erika, Elizabeth, Angelenaa, and Jamie. From a young age Peggy was a feisty, red-headed, freckled spitfire who had the world by its tail - or at least she thought she did. She enjoyed spending time with her family with some of her favorite moments being spent on camping trips.

She attended Oakwood Elementary and then Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo until the 11th grade. A firm believer in the importance of an education, Peggy later earned her GED and attended some college classes, earning her certified nursing qualifications. With her credentials, she was able to work in the medical field throughout the area.

It was no secret that the greatest moments of Peggy’s life were the days each of her children were born. She was blessed with seven children altogether including Sheena, Alex, Austin, Zoey, Ashley, Erica, and Kaiden. Peggy was a firm believer in the notion that knowledge is power, and she reminded her children of this truth on a regular basis.

Those who knew Peggy would agree that she was a bit of a free spirit who was always up for an adventure. She loved the serenity of the water, which is why she loved the couple of years she spent living in Florida as she was able to be near the ocean. When she was living in Michigan, Peggy’s favorite place to be was at the beach in South Haven. She loved music and dancing, and she also loved to roller skate.

There were so many things we treasured about Peggy. Not only did she love to live, but she loved to laugh and to share that laughter with those around her. Peggy took great pride in her appearance and always made sure she looked nice for any and every occasion. She was opinionated and most always outspoken, but she was also a woman who was truly passionate as well. Out of the deep love she had for her family, Peggy was fiercely protective of her loved ones and did what she needed to do in order to defend them against anyone or anything of concern that came their way.

On May 2nd, 2000 Peggy accepted Christ and like Jesus, was baptized by faith. Our Lord God welcomed her home with love, forgave her and healed her with His amazing grace.

Peggy Czyzewski was so much more than a woman with struggles that plagued her throughout much of her life, she was also a lively, spirited, and beautiful woman who had so much love to give. We are so very thankful for the good times we shared and will keep her memory forever near and dear to our hearts. Peggy’s spirit will live on in the lives of the children and grandchildren she cherished more than life itself.

Peggy Czyzewski died on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at Bronson Hospital. Her family includes her parents, Mike and Patty (Booth) Kemple; children, Sheena, Alex, Austin and Zoey Czyzewski, Ashley Bond, Erica Fruehauf, and Kaiden Moose; sisters, Erika Hammer, Elizabeth, Angelenaa, and Jamie Kemple; three grandchildren; her friend and companion, Kenny Moose; and her former husband, Ed Czyzewski. A service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Lighthouse Community Church, 4321 S. 11th St in Kalamazoo. Visit Peggy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her guestbook online, and make a donation to her family. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600).