SUTTONS BAY — Maria Drozdalski, 86, of Suttons Bay, passed away on Dec. 23, 2012, at Culver Meadows AFC with her son and daughter-in-law at her side.
Maria lived an amazing life. She was born to Russian parents who then moved to Germany, where she met her Polish born husband, Edward.
In 1951 they immigrated to the United States with five-year-old William, three-year-old Richard and one trunk of belongings in search of a better life and freedom in America.
They settled in Cleveland, Ohio. Maria was a very tiny but mighty woman. She added English to her grasp of Polish, Russian and German languages.
She worked hard factory jobs for many years to provide her family with food, clothing, education and a nice home. With sometimes two jobs she still found time to bake her wonderful Polish pastries and cakes.
Family and gardening were her passions. There wasn't a flower she didn't like, especially if it was red or yellow. After moving to Suttons Bay to live with her son she spent hours planting roses, mums, daisies and hydrangeas. There was no such thing as a quick or inexpensive trip to Plant Masters for Maria.
People driving by would often see this little white-haired lady with the cane tending her beautiful flowers along the 45th parallel on M-22. They would honk their horns or stop and compliment her. She would get this cute smile and somewhat shyly say thank you. When you see flowers this spring think of our little Maria and the joy she brought to those who loved her.
Surviving Maria are her sons, Richard Drozdalski, of Cleveland, Ohio, and William (Linda Janman) Drozdalski, of Suttons Bay; and granddaughter, Stephanie Drozdalski, of Rochester.
Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; and daughter-in-law, Karen Drozdalski.
Cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Please share thoughts and memories with Maria's family on their online guestbook at www.record-eagle.com/obituaries/.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
Archive: Sunday
Maria Drozdalski
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