Our beloved mother and grandmother, Margaret, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo. Margaret was born on May 16, 1929, in Paw Paw, the daughter of the late Stephen J. and Antoinette (Sadecky) Minarik, Sr.
Margaret's work ethic and family values were instilled at a young age. One of thirteen children, she grew up on a farm in Paw Paw, picking grapes and asparagus with her brothers and sisters. She adhered to that strong work ethic that farming entails through her career as a real estate broker, first with John Bosch Realtors from 1972 until1981, when she became owner and operator of her own company, Oak Manor Real Estate Co. in Kalamazoo. Her business sense and hard work resulted in a successful and well-respected career, until her retirement in 2009.
In addition, she cherished the Slovakian traditions that her parents celebrated with their large family. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, Margaret reveled in cooking traditional Slovakian food, commemorating her strong ties to European customs at family gatherings. Among Margaret's other talents were quilting and stained glass. She was a true artisan of her craft and sold many pieces at art fairs.
On November 5, 1949, in Paw Paw, Margaret was united in marriage to Adam S. Wojciechowski who preceded her in death on November 8, 1993. She was also preceded in death by six brothers, Rudy, George, Joseph, Andrew, John and Stephen Jr. Minarik; and one sister, Antoinette Rice.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Dale) Phelps; granddaughter, Kristin (Matthew) O'Leary and grandson, Matthew Phelps all of Kalamazoo; four sisters, Josephine Minarik of Battle Creek, Ann Stanton of Paw Paw, Mildred Javor of Charlotte, and Alice Stieber of Kalamazoo; 19 nieces and nephews, 42 grand nieces and nephews; 31 great-grand nieces and nephews; 11 great-great-grand nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Sunday (8/28) at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw from 6-8 p.m. with a vigil Service Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 11:00 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church, Mattawan, with Rev. Fr. Mathew Illikattil, celebrant.
Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Paw Paw. Memorial contributions may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice Residence or St. John Bosco Church, Mattawan.