Mary J. Siddall, Died May 16, 2018

Mary J. Siddall

Died May 16, 2018

LELAND – Mary Joan Siddall, 86, of Leland, passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Effie’s Assisted Living surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born Feb. 5, 1932 in Ottumwa, Iowa the daughter of Michael J. Grogan and Bernice G. (Eason) Grogan.  On Sep. 11, 1954 in Chariton, Iowa she married D. Gene Siddall who preceded her in death on May 12, 2013.

Mary’s kindness and patience were incarnate.  Mary did attend and graduate from Iowa State University, where she met Gene, and earned a Bachelor’s in Science degree in Dietetics in 1954.

While moving fourteen times in the early years of her and Gene’s marriage, Mary became, and remained, the glue that held the family together.  The kids fondly remember Mac and Cheese Fridays and Mary’s Brownie Waffles topped with ice cream on Sunday evenings.  They also remember eating so much tuna fish casserole, that it felt like year-round lent at the Siddall house!

Mary was not a natural athlete, but taught herself to snow ski, bowl, and golf because Gene liked it.  The two of them spent many days out boating together.  She was a skilled bridge player and was an active member of the Tri-Delta Sorority.  Every time she moved, she would find a local chapter and join—even if only for a month.

She was musically talented, playing the trombone, violin and piano.  She imparted the love of music to her children, and she even taught her husband, Gene, to play the piano piece, Claire de Lune.  Mary loved to sing and would join the choirs at each parish she attended during her many travels.

Mary’s character was built on kindness, faith, and a deep unwavering love for her family. She was loved by all that knew her.

Mary is survived by her seven children, Katherine (Hayward) Draper, Jane (William) Lievense , Stephen (Stacia) Siddall, Mary Anne (Khosrow) Parvaresh, William Siddall, Mark (Deirdre) Siddall, John (Nicole) Siddall; eighteen grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Betsy, Laura, Jacob, Niklaus, Samantha, Michael, Stephen, Sarah, Andrew, Christine, Emma, Joseph, Bernard, Samuel, Maddie, and Ella; and eleven great-grandchildren, Ethan, Nyala, Stirling, Calvin, Malcolm, Peter, Gordon, Sal, Piper, Emmett, and James.

Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Rita Donelle Cusack.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary on Friday, June 1 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  A mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption in Lake Leelanau.  After the Mass, there will be a procession to and burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Fr. Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials in Mary’s honor may be directed to St. Mary Church, P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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