Margaret Cicinelli

Margaret Bernadette Cicinelli, 94, of Elk Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Cordia Assisted Living surrounded by family. She was born on a farm in Saginaw, MI, on November 14, 1931, the seventh of twelve children born to parents Lukas “Louis” and Agnes (Masar) Sapak, who immigrated from Slovakia. Margaret enjoyed telling stories about when she was little, picking sugar beets that were almost as big as she was.

Margaret graduated from St. Peter & Paul Catholic High School in 1949. On December 26, 1953, she married Angelo “George” Cicinelli, and they would go on to raise five children together in Saginaw. Margaret took care of the children and their home while George operated his family’s business. When George retired, they moved to the beautiful shores of Torch Lake in the late 90’s. George passed away in 2020, and Margaret spent the last three years living at Cordia in Traverse City.

Summers were spent at Mullett Lake where she would cook and entertain family and friends. After moving to Torch Lake, she continued gardening. She grew various vegetables, herbs, and raspberries and became known as the green bean queen and the pie lady. She soon discovered fresh cherries and added cherry butter to her list of homemade goodies. The holiday season meant even more time spent making multiple types of pastries, both Slovak and Italian. And boxes of homemade chocolates filled the house. She also liked knitting, playing cards, and making Pysanky Eggs.

Margaret is survived by her five children, Deborah Cicinelli-Timm (Kent), Michael Cicinelli (Noelita), Jane Shore (John), Margaret A. Cicinelli, James Cicinelli (Rita); grandchildren, Tony, Joe, Pete (Lauren), Kenzie (Stefan), Karen (Jacob), and Joshua; five great-grandchildren, Cameron, Ryan, Theodora, Maeve, and Noah; two brothers, Robert Sapak (Cathy) and John Sapak; a sister, Dorothy Bowerman (Gene); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, George; three brothers, William Sapak, Aloysius Sapak (Eleanor), and James Sapak; five sisters, Rose Smith (Eldred), Veronica Karbowski (Wallace), Rita Premo (Merlin), Josephine Karlsen (George), Betty Steinborn (James); and sister-in-law, Edith Sapak.

A funeral liturgy with Fr. Steven Gavit presiding will be held on Saturday, March 21st at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St, Saginaw, MI 48603. The family will welcome visitors at 9:30 a.m., a rosary will take place at 9:45 a.m., and mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, Margaret will be laid to rest at St. Andrew Cemetery, 381 St. Andrews Rd, Saginaw, MI 48638.

For those unable to attend mass in person, it will be livestreamed via the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/844336

Margaret’s family would like to thank all the staff at Cordia and Hospice of MI who took such great care of our mother. We couldn't have asked for kinder, more compassionate people. We also want to thank the Cordia residents who were so warm and friendly to our mom and watched over her.

Please no flowers or plants. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073; Covenant House, PO Box 758636, Topeka, KS 66675; Hospice of Michigan, 10850E. Traverse Hwy., #3325, Traverse City, MI 49684, or charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com