Margaret Mary "Laier" Foldenauer

Margaret Mary Laier Foldenauer, affectionately known as Peg or Peggy, passed away on October 1, 2025 surrounded by family. Peg was born in Howell, Michigan on August 9, 1940, and was the fifth of six children of Alois and Pauline (Karch) Laier. Growing up on a dairy farm and raised by German immigrants, Peg learned the value of hard work at a young age and developed life-long passions for gardening, nature, and family. She frequently expressed her admiration for her parents' bravery in moving to a distant country and for their perseverance through many challenges once they arrived. They inspired Peg to persevere in her own life, and she applied her strong work ethic to the rigorous nursing program she completed and to her subsequent time as a nurse at New Grace Hospital in Detroit.

Peg married Harold Foldenauer on February 9, 1963 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Deerfield Township, and together they raised five successful, wonderful children. Though times were not always easy as a farm wife and mother, Peg's Catholic faith guided her through many difficulties. As a test driver at the General Motors Proving Grounds where she and Harold both worked, she appreciated the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and push cars to their limits. She believed in the power of prayer and passed this faith on to her children and grandchildren. She and Harold made a point of praying for them every night before bed and every week at Mass. Peggy's love for Harold was apparent throughout their many years of living and working together. As she and Harold aged, she continued to care for him and he for her, both committed to staying together in their home for as long as possible.

Peg will be remembered for her vast network of friends and family around the world, with whom she kept in contact through letters, visits, regular phone calls, and, in her later years, email and Facebook. She and Harold were avid card players and regulars at a euchre card club with friends over the course of several decades. She spent much of her retirement traveling around the country to visit children and grandchildren. Even after flights and long car rides became too challenging, phone calls with Peg were a delight for the many people blessed to receive them. She knew exactly how long a conversation should last, never cutting one short nor dragging one out, and in her final years, that talent enabled her to keep up with countless friends and relatives across the country and the world. She was always eager for firsthand news about her children and grandchildren and eager to share with others how proud she was of their latest accomplishments. She was also eager to find out when they would next be visiting!

Having visitors was one of Peg's greatest joys. Her home was always open to family and friends, even on short notice. She especially loved to fire up the train in her sprawling Department 56 display. All children, family, and friends fondly remember the familiar sound of the train's engine as it weaved in and out of the hand crafted alpine village. The holidays were Peg's favorite time of year, when snow blanketed her porch and sled tracks covered her hill. Peg loved sweets, and Christmas was a perfect excuse to fill the house with scrumptious cakes and cookies. She also took pride in the superb breakfasts and dinners she prepared every year on Christmas Day. Peg put a great deal of thought into the gifts she gave to those near and far, making everyone feel special. Her favorite part of the holidays was being surrounded by family and friends.

Peg's love of crafting extended well beyond her train display. She was a renowned quilter and seamstress who frequently sewed for her children, grandchildren, and charities. As a member of the Red Hat Society, she generously gave her time to charitable projects such as collecting toys and snacks to fill gift boxes for underprivileged children. She loved crocheting and was also an avid coin collector. Her green thumb meant the house on Bergin Road was always full of plants and flowers as well as an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from the big garden outside. Even long after their retirement from farming, Peg and Harold greatly enjoyed gardening together. The blue jays and other birds that frequented their porch will also mourn Peg, as she greeted them every day with generous servings of peanuts. Finally, inspired by her parents, she loved to travel, and made many trips across the country and abroad to Italy, Ireland, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Australia, and of course to Germany to see the villages where her parents were born.

For 85 years, Peg Foldenauer was a fount of love, joy, and compassion. We pray that in her passing, she may enjoy the peace and comfort she offered to everyone she knew. Peg will be greatly missed by her husband Harold; children, Mark (Cindy) Foldenauer, Deborah (Loren) Sudbeck, Donald (Xochitl) Foldenauer, Ron (Darcyne) Foldenauer, Dennis (Rebekah) Foldenauer; siblings, Zita (Bob) Nagel, Philip (Cathy) Laier, Bill (Nancy) Laier; grandchildren, Joe (Jenny) Foldenauer, Kathryn (Jeremy) Perez, Gabriella and Isabella Sudbeck, Fox, Wolf and Hawk Foldenauer, Robert (Amy) Sass, Nicholas (Tonya) Sass, Collin (Carrie) Sass, and Felix and Frida Foldenauer; great grandchildren Wyatt, Graham, and soon-to-arrive Baby Theo, Daphne, Jett, Clara Ann, Michiah, Ella, Louisa, Noah, Adam, Aiden, along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Pauline Laier, and her siblings, Alvis Laier and Jean Wiatr.

A public gathering of family and friends will be held from 2-8 pm on Sunday, October 5, 2025, including a rosary at 7 pm, at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes in Howell, Michigan. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025. Viewing will take place at 10 am at the Historic St. John Catholic Church at 1991 North Hacker Rd. Howell, Michigan 48855. Mass will begin at 11 am in the same location. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Peg's favorite charity, St. Lawrence Seminary, 301 Church St., Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin 53057 or a charity of your choice. Please leave a message of comfort for Peg's family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.