Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
9170 East D Avenue
Richland, Michigan
Mary Pazderka Obituary
December 15, 1931 - November 8, 2020
Mary Marguerite (Haselton) Pazderka, age 88 of Kalamazoo, MI, and formerly of Omaha, NE, died Sunday evening, November 8th, 2020 at Friendship Village with her loving family at her side.
Mary, the daughter of William R. and Marguerite M. (McSweeney) Haselton, was born in Omaha, NE, on December 15th, 1931. She was a 1949 graduate of Omaha's Duchesne Academy High School and received her bachelor's degree from Creighton University four years later. Mary had a career in advertising at a prominent radio station in Omaha and eventually worked at Commercial Federal Saving and Loans before leaving the workforce to raise her four children. She returned to work for her husband's drugstore business as a bookkeeper part-time and eventually returned full time as a Church Secretary for the St Margaret Mary's Parish of Omaha with over 20 years of faithful service. She and her husband, John, moved to Friendship Village in 2015 from Omaha.
Mary loved the arts. She dabbled in painting and had a flair for drama. She acted in plays at Duchesne Academy and Creighton University and then took on more saintly roles including St. Margaret Mary herself at Summer camp. At first shy and quiet, Mary would surprise people with her wit and humor. She cherished her many friendships and loved a good laugh.
Mary was united in marriage to John Anton Pazderka at Cathedral Catholic Church, Omaha on July 4th, 1970.
Surviving is her husband of 50+ years, John; two daughters, Marguerite M. "Peggy" Pazderka of Saginaw, MI and Paula J. ((Andy Moran) Pazderka of Chapel Hill, NC; two sons, Philip A. (Thuy) Pazderka of Lake Doster, Plainwell, MI and Patrick J. (Christina) Pazderka of Minneapolis, MN; and by seven precious grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Emma "Jane," and three loving older brothers, Bill, Bob, and Tom.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, November 21st at 11am, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, MI 49012, with Father James E. Richardson, Celebrant and Deacon Michael A. Carl, Assisting. Mary's family will greet friends from 10am until Mass in the Church Social Hall. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required and social distancing will be maintained for the Visitation and the Mass. Livestreaming will be available, please look at Mary's page (details below) and under the "Funeral Services" tab. The final interment will be held in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary's honor may be directed to Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Omaha, NE, or https://www.duchesneacademy.org/apps/pages/donate. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Mary may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home
9170 East D Ave., Richland, MI 49083 | (269) 629-6022
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Pazderka
Sponsored by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care - Richland Chapel.
JoAnne Frenking Klosner
November 2, 2021
Mary and I were friends from kindergarten at St, Margaret Marys and then neighbors while raising our families. She was also my long time bridge partner in the Duchesne bridge marathon. So kind and so brilliant! She was a dear friend and I missed her when she moved away. Mary was a true Christian and it was a privilege to have known her!
Elizabeth Engel
November 18, 2020
To Paula and family:
Mike and I send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mom. I also sent a copy of the obituary to my Aunt Kathleen. She was best friends with you Mom when she was young. I talked to her and she was saddened by her loss. My Prayers are with you and your family. Love to you, Beth
Kathy Standeven
November 16, 2020
I am a second cousin of Mary's. Her mother Marguerite and my Grandmother, Gussie Bushman, were sisters. Although I didn't see Mary a lot, I always thought she was beautiful. She was so elegant and had such a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh. I know she will be missed terribly by her loved ones but you know she is in heaven and you will all see her again. Let your memories comfort you. May your soul rest in peace Mary and may the perpetual light shine upon you.
Sharon Burton
November 16, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mary was the nicest person. She and John are my son Bryan´s godparents.
Mike Billig
November 16, 2020
Mary was a wonderful mom to 4 great kids and husband to John. Many great memories with the family. Mary taught many of the neighborhood kids to be polite and treated all of us as one of her own. She had a quiet wit which all the kids inherited. She will be missed. Thanks Mary.
Bill and Sharon Kingston
November 15, 2020
We could always count on Mary to help us navigate St Margaret Mary's. She was always pleasant to chat with. We are sorry for your loss. May the angels greet her in paradise.
JoAnne Frenking Klosner
November 15, 2020
Mary was a wonderful friend and classmate since kindergarten at St. Margaret Marys. She was a brilliant bridge player and a "fun" saintly woman. My prayers for her family.
Kathy Kirby
November 13, 2020
I always loved talking with Mary. She was so upbeat and happy. The last time I saw her was after mass at St. Robert's. We picked up as if we'd seen each other the previous week. I have many fond memories of visiting with Mary. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family...and a hello to my former students!
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Pazderka's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Pazderka
Nov
21
Nov
21
Funeral services provided by:
Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care - Richland Chapel9170 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Pazderka's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
