Sadie Virnette Churchill

Sadie Virnette (Covell) Churchill, age 98, passed away May 26, 2020 in Mattawan, Michigan. Sadie was born October 22, 1921, living as a young girl in Scotts, Michigan. Later she moved to the family farm in Vicksburg with her parents, seven sisters and three brothers. She enjoyed sharing happy childhood memories of horse and buggy rides, winter sleigh rides, her favorite pony "Brownie" and the excitement of the first family car, a Model T. Sadie had many friends and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1940. With a strong work ethic Sadie worked for several years as a waitress and later at Continental Can. She eventually retired from The Upjohn Company. Her children also remember her as a loving and patient "stay at home" mom. Sadie and Larry Brockway were high school sweethearts. They married shortly after graduation and together had two children. They shared homes in both California and Michigan. After their divorce Sadie met Lester Churchill, whom she married June 6, 1956. They were married 40 years. Sadie and Lester moved to Bankson Lake in Lawton, Michigan shortly after their wedding and added two more children to their family. Though Sadie couldn't swim, she loved the lake life including her daily summer walks around the water. Sadie enjoyed being outside and will be remembered for her gardens of strawberries, rhubarb and raspberries shared with numerous neighbors and family. Sadie loved to crochet and was known for her beautiful talent. Specifically, she was known for her intricate "pineapple" table clothes, which will be shared for generations. She also loved nature, spending many hours marveling the wildlife, feeding birds and squirrels and watching approaching weather patterns. Later in life she enjoyed colorful puzzles. Sadie loved her children. Her smile, laughter and gentleness will be missed. Lester preceded Sadie in death on January 28, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents Charles and Mary (Burger) Covell and her ten brothers and sisters; Clyde, Lois, Avis, Iva, Eunice, Ilah, Carl, Dorothy, Ralph and Mary Lou. She is survived by her children; Richard Brockway, Charles Brockway, Mark Churchill, Julie Churchill; grandchildren Seth Churchill, Corbin Churchill, Heather (Brockway) Davey, Sara (Brockway) Stockers; great grandchildren Kara Stocker, Ocean Stocker, Star Stocker, Christian Davey, Michael Davey, and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place at the Langeland Family Cremation Centers. Donations on her behalf may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Michigan Humane Society.