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Spidola Kajaks

July 13, 1925 - November 15, 2017
Kalamazoo, MI

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Died November 15, 2017 in Vermont. Spidola (Speedy) was born July 13, 1925 in Koknese, Latvia, the daughter of Karlis and Olga Mezsets (Lasis). Following the annexation of Latvia by the USSR during World War II, she and her family came to the United States in 1950 under the International Refugee Program and lived in Lawrence, MI until 1956, when they settled in Kalamazoo. She lived her life attempting to reciprocate this generosity of spirit and kindness of the American government and people. Spidola was employed in sales at Gilmore Bros (downtown) for nearly two decades, until her retirement in 1988. She was an active member of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo and sang in the esteemed Latvian mixed choir, "Dziesmu Vairogs" (the "Shield of Songs") for many years. Accomplished in sewing, needlecraft, cooking, gardening and a lover of music and animals, she dedicated her life to serving her family and others. She was much respected and loved. Spidola's beloved husband, Alfreds, who she married on August 6, 1949 in Erlangen, Germany predeceased her in 2003. She is survived by her daughters, Sarmite and Maruta, their respective husbands, Michael Lawrence and Martins Grots; her three grandsons, Mark (his wife Holly and daughters Persephone and Aurora) and Robin Lawrence and Roberts Grots; her brother and sister-in-law, Aldonis and Ruta Mezsets; nieces, nephews and many friends. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, 1st December at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo, 122 Cherry Hill St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 with her godson, the Rev Eriks Mezsets officiating. Internment in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10am Friday at the church. Memorial contributions in memory of Spidola in lieu of flowers may be made to the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo or Kalamazoo Humane Society. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com