Margaret Jean (Meyer) Swiderek

Margaret Jean (Meyer) Swiderek, 91 of Cheboygan, MI, peacefully went to be with our Lord July 4, 2022, with her beloved family by her side.  

Margaret was born on September 6, 1930, in Chicago, IL to William and Helen (Wichlacz) Meyer. In 1948 she graduated from Alvernia High School and went to work at Country Mutual Casualty Insurance Company of Illinois.  

Marge would often make the trip from Chicago to Cheboygan, to visit relatives, and it was on one of these trips that she met the love of her life, Michael Joseph Swiderek, Sr. The two were married at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on September 2, 1950, and celebrated 55 years together before Michael preceded her in death in 2006. 

Marge will be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit, as well as her love and devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. She was the family matriarch-the heart and soul of the Swiderek family; a dedicated mother, raising her 7 children, as well as welcoming in many neighborhood kids that would stop by to see what she was baking. She was a mother to many, not just her own. Her door was always open for those in need of a snack, advice, or words of encouragement. Marge was a member of St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Daughters of Isabella (St. Therese Circle #554). She was also a longtime member of the DCCW of Gaylord and served as a 4-H leader for many years. Marge will be remembered for being a peacemaker. She was always there to lend a hand, whether she was catering a wedding, babysitting, or offering comfort to those in need. You could also often find her cheering on her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and friends at sporting events. Later in life, she put on the pom-poms again as she participated in cardiac rehab, always striving to put a smile on people’s faces. She welcomed and encouraged her fellow patients with her mantra “swing and sway, the rehab way.” 

Although her later years were challenging, Marge persevered with grace, prayer, and sheer determination. She raised her family to follow her example of taking care of one another and helping those in need. Her courageous spirit will continue to guide us. She was beloved by many and will be missed by all. 

Margaret leaves behind her children: Jean (Donald) Angel of Cincinnati, OH, Patricia (Lynn) Wheelock of Cheboygan, Yvonne (the late Edward) Swiderek of Cheboygan, Therese (Gregory) Hesslau of Jackson, MI, William (Nancy) Swiderek of Cheboygan, and John Swiderek of Waterford, MI. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Thomas and Christine Angel, Andrew (Jenna) Wheelock, Stacy (Alexander) Elmdanat, Matthew Swiderek, Anthony (Simone Scheele) Hesslau, Steven Hesslau, and Jaclyn, Michael, Rachel and Kacie Swiderek; great-grandchildren: Jaelyn, Hayden, Maxton, and Huxton Wheelock, Arianna Martinez, Mila and Margo Scheele; sister Elaine (the late Daniel) Furlin; brother Roger (Darlyne) Meyer; along with many other relatives and friends. 

Margaret was predeceased by her devoted husband Michael; sons Michael Jr. and Edward; parents William and Helen Meyer; brother William; and sisters Barbara (Albert) Janiec and Helen (James) Spedale.  

Family will receive friends at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home at 302 S. Huron St. in Cheboygan on Thursday, July 7, 2022, from 4-8pm, with a vigil beginning at 8pm followed by the rosary.  

The funeral mass will be held at St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 12:00 noon with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery immediately following. 

Memorial contributions in Margaret’s memory can be made to Bishop Baraga Catholic School, St. Mary/St. Charles Catholic Church or Hospice House of Cheboygan.  

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