WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Theresa Martel, age 76, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday evening, February 22, 2024 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born July 8, 1947 in Battle Creek, daughter of the late Alfred and Beverly L. (Meese) Kozaczewski.
Theresa resided in the Sturgis and Nottawa area her whole life. She was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1965. She furthered her education at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, where she earned a bachelor degree in education.
On August 26, 1975 she married Charles “Chuck” Martel in Leonidas.
Theresa retired in 2013 from Colon Community Schools following 39 years of dedicated employment as a first grade teacher. For Theresa, teaching went beyond the classroom. She was always there for her students and was known to purchase from school supplies to coats, mittens and hats, if needed.
She was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis and Amos Sturgis Chapter – DAR. She enjoyed family history and genealogy, snow skiing and was an avid reader.
Theresa is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of nearly 50 years: Chuck; son: Kevin (Adriene Kusner) Martel of Mendon; grandchildren: Jesse Schwartz and Klaus Schwartz; sisters: Luann (Thomas) Kelly of Grandville and Mary (David) Amidon of Kalamazoo; brother: Stephen Kozaczewski of Sequim, Washington and nieces: Erin (Emily Burgess) Kelly and Courtney (Josiah) Liljekvist.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother: David Kozaczewski.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Martel’s memory consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shrine Hospital 233 Fulton Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
