Marguerite Marie Stelmach
Marguerite was born on June 9, 1931 in Briey (Meurthe-Et-Moselle) France.
She was the daughter of Madeline Louis Salle Marchal and Pierre Felician Marchal. Her Grandparents were the Count and Countess de la Salle. She had two brothers, Andre Marchal (deceased) and Pierre Marchal (deceased). She pursued and completed he Bachelor’s degree in Nancy, France.
She leaves her daughter, Christine of Kansas City, MO (son-in-law, Mark Swift); Grandson, Brian A Davis of Denver, CO.; Great-Granddaughter, Alexia C. Stumpf of Overland Park, KS. She also has numerous nieces and nephews spanning France and Madagascar.
She and her family (plus her late husband Fryderyk Stelmach) survived World War II in occupied France. Toward the end of the war in 1944, General George S. Patton asked Marguerites’ parents if he could set up his headquarters for his branch of the U.S. Army at their home estate. Her parents were very grateful for this honored request.
Marguerite and her daughter Christine immigrated to the United States of America, (Chicago, IL) on December 1, 1957. There, they joined her husband Fryderyk Stelmach. Life changes completely around for her. She dealt with a language barrier amongst many other changes. Nevertheless, she forged forward with determination and overcame many challenges. Quitting was never an option for Marguerite!
Marguerite had a very beautiful life, writing a number of chapters spanning ninety four and a half years.
She was an educator for approximately 50 plus years, starting with teaching deaf and mute children in her early 20’s back in France. Upon arrival to America, she taught French at the high school level, primary school and University level. She ended her teaching career by conducting private tutoring lessons for couples and individuals in preparation for upcoming travels to France.
Marguerite was a survivor of breast cancer in her early sixties. She sponsored, walked and raised monies for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for a number of years. She always was a trooper. She had multiple surgeries, with many joint replacements. Christine always referred to her Maman as her “little energizer Bunny”.
Marguerite was a devoted Christian, always placed God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit first in her life. When Christine moved Marguerite to Kansas City in 1985, she soon thereafter joined the Northland Cathedral Church. She was involved with many activities there, including becoming a member of the choir.
She spent many hours reading her bibles (French, English and Latin) and had a daily ritual of praying for those in need. She always had an extensive prayer list.
For countless years, she donated to the Salvation Army and the City Union Mission. She spent years knitting winter scarves which she always donated for those less fortunate.
Marguerite absolutely loved her classical music and opera. It was a Sunday afternoon ritual to listen to various operas in various languages.
She also enjoyed history, specifically European history. Her vast knowledge of European history was unsurpassed, and she could carry an intellectual conversation with most anyone at any time.
Marguerite and her two children were able to travel to France most summers during her breaks from teaching. Her French family was spread out throughout France which allowed them many adventures.
Another passion was her gardening! She always had extensive gardens, with gorgeous rose bushes, geraniums, dahlias, lupine and many assorted flowers. Her gardens were always a stream of rainbow colors.
Another favorite past time was her love for entertaining! She loved to prepare exquisite French dishes and lovely desserts… always with French grandeur! Her father back in France had owned and operated a “Boulangerie”, “bakery” and he had taught his daughter well. She was always quite precise with her cooking/bakery craft, and never hesitated to share her talents with Christine.
Her beloved cat Minew, of nearly 16 years, simply adored her. Minew was a very interesting cat, since he only understood the French language! He truly led a vivacious life trying to get acclimated to the pet household at the Swift home.
Even though Marguerite suffered from extensive rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis the better part of her adult life, it never stopped her from living her life. She was diagnosed with congestive heart disease in late 2024. Through the grace of God, she qualified for hospice care. The entire staff at Interim Hospice, specifically her cherished favorite nurse Ashleigh, were “angels sent from God”. The nursing staff at Care Network also provided much love and support the past one and a half years. She finally succumbed to her heart disease on January 15, 2026.
She has now moved onto be with her “signer”, her Lord and God. She has reunited with her wonderful son Robert, beautiful daughter-in-law Geri, her life long special friend, Nicole Kornak and other family members.
Also, a special and loving thank you to her dear friend of over 60 years, Dr. Mandan Farahati, Lake Forest, IL. Mandan blessed Marguerite with tremendous love over those decades.
A visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday January 23, 2026 at Souder Family Funeral Home, 1333 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO 64155.
The funeral service will be at 10 AM Saturday January 24, 2026 at Northland Cathedral 101 NW 99th St., Kansas City, MO 64155. The burial will immediately follow the church service at Terrace Park Cemetery, 801 NW 108th St., Kansas City, MO 64155.
A special thank you to Sandee for providing the refreshments for the visitation Friday evening.
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