Sadie Joseph

Sadie Joseph was a woman who epitomized love and devotion, a loving, loyal lady who was strong as she was thoughtful, as independent as she was compassionate. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend to so many over the years. Most of all, Sadie was a woman who found her greatest happiness by helping those around her.

Sadie's story began on a hot summer day in 1919, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were hopeful times in this country, as America celebrated a victory in war, women won their right to vote, and Prohibition had become the law of the land. America held so much promise for so many, particularly Sam and Bertha (Bashara) Joseph, Syrian immigrants who had come to Grand Rapids to begin new lives in America.

The couple settled in Grand Rapids, fittingly enough, on Wealthy Street, where they sought the American Dream by opening the Wealthy Street Food Market, catering to the community as a whole, as well as the Syrian and Lebanese communities. They lived in their family home, connected to the back of the store, and this is where they would start their life here and raise their family. On August 15, 1919, they had even more to celebrate, with the birth of a baby girl, a daughter they named Sadie.

Sadie was the second of four children in the family, and growing up, running the grocery store was truly a family business. Sadie helped fill the orders and deliveries, even though she didn't care for working at the store.

Sadie was a quiet girl, very shy, but she was a smart young woman and always did well in school. She attended Henry Elementary School, before graduating from Central High School in 1938. After she graduated, Sadie continued working at the grocery for a few years, but eventually was offered a job with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Not wanting to work in the grocery the rest of her life, Sadie gladly accepted the work offer and went to work in the Liberty Mutual office.

Sadie was an excellent employee, and was very well-liked by her coworkers. She enjoyed Liberty Mutual, and worked very hard, earning a number of awards over the many years she worked there, including a limo ride to a luncheon in her honor on one occasion!

Sadie continued living in the back of the store on Wealthy Street, and when her father sadly died in 1943, the family banded together to keep the grocery running. Sadie became very close to her mother, and they remained close the rest of their lives. When her mother finally sold the business, Sadie and her mom moved to the west side of Grand Rapids, to be close to Sadie's sister, Mary Maxim.

Sadie became very close to her nieces and nephews over the years, as well. She was the kind of woman who was always willing to do whatever she could for you, and wasn't just the kids' "favorite aunt," - she was practically a second mother to them. Sadie loved to knit, and made Afghans for the kids, and other cherished mementos from their aunt. She also never forgot one of their birthdays, and was always there at their school functions, too. No family gathering was complete until Aunt Sadie had arrived, either.

Sadie was especially close to her nieces, and loved to call up her sister or niece and suggest they go "put on their feed bags," and go out to eat! Her nieces have many fond memories of shopping on Saturday mornings with Aunt Sadie downtown, as well.

Sadie was also a lifetime member of St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church, where she faithfully attended and was so active. Her favorite church activity was Bingo, and she helped work the Bingo. One night, however, Sadie was robbed while working there, which was an unforgettable experience for her. That robber got away, but the next thief to cross her path wasn't so lucky. She was walking from the movies one evening, when a man stepped from the shadows and tried to snatch her purse! Sadie began fearlessly fending him off with her umbrella! Her heroics even landed her on the pages of the Grand Rapids Press.

Another of her favorite past time was the sport of bowling. She joined a bowling league and would spend many evenings bowling with her fellow team members in competition. She even had the opportunity to introduce some of her nieces and nephews to the sport who also went on to join bowling leagues and spend many enjoyable hours of fun and fellowship.

Sadie was as compassionate as she was strong. She was a devoted, loving daughter, who cared for her mother as she got older. Sadly, her mother died in 1983, and not long after, Sadie retired from Liberty Mutual after more than 40 years, and moved into Grandview Apartments.

Sadie found plenty to occupy her time in retirement, however. She enjoyed keeping busy, so she volunteered her time and energy at the United Way for several years, as just another way to help serve others. Sadie never learned to drive, though, so she would take the bus everywhere she needed to go.

She also enjoyed reading a good novel, especially mysteries or science fiction. Sadie was a true Sci-Fi fan, and has every episode of Star Trek on tape, which was her all-time favorite program. She also enjoyed movies, and would walk down to the local theater quite often.

Sadie did some traveling over the years, too, and saw parts of California, Las Vegas and the East Coast, but at heart, she was a homebody, content to spend time with her nieces and nephews.

In 2001, her health declined, so she moved to Northview Manor to receive some additional care. She later went to live at Pilgrim Manor, where she lived for five years. She appreciated the care she received there and was a very patient and easy resident.

Sadly, Sadie died late Sunday evening, April 15, 2007, at the age of 87.

Sadie was a wonderful woman, always so willing to serve, to help, and to share. She was a loyal and loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, who made a difference in the lives of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Bertha Joseph, her grandmother Westeen Joseph, her brothers, sisters and sister-in-law: Mary Joseph, Ghattas Joseph, George and Cecilia Joseph, Charlie Joseph, her special nephew Charles Joseph and her brother-in-law Harry (Buddy) Maxim. Surviving are her sister Mary Maxim, her sister-in-law Frances Joseph, her nieces and nephews: Steve Maxim, Teresa (Timothy) Dewey, Sarah (Randy) Gerard, Elizabeth Joseph, Nancy (Alan) Bunker, Georgette (Larry) Ike, Norma (Howard) Alley, Salem (Janet) Joseph; her great nieces and nephews: Alexis and Jasmine Gerard, Jason (Kelly) Wheeler, Charlie (Yuliya) Bunker, Teri (Chris) Miller, Thomas Bunker, Daniel (Jaye) Ike, Andrew and Jennifer Ike, George and Pamela Alley and Katherine Joseph and 3 great great nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 A.M. at St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church with Rev. John Winfrey and the Very Rev. John Estephan and Rev. Steve VanBronkhorst officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Miss Joseph reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. where relatives and friends may meet her family Wednesday from 4-8 P.M. and where a Trisagion service will be held Wednesday at 8 P.M. She will also repose at St. George's Church Thursday from 10 A.M. until the time of the funeral service. For those who wish in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church or the Central Nervous System Vasculitis Foundation would be appreciated. To read more of Sadie's life, share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com.