Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Hoskin, Jon Karl 1954-2025

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Jon Karl Hoskin
December 13, 1954 ~ July 13, 2025 

Published on Palmer Funeral Home website:

Jon Hoskin Obituary

Jon Karl Hoskin passed away at home peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the age of 70.

Born on December 13, 1954, to the late Andrew and Edna (Long) Hoskin. He enjoyed some good younger years in Orlando, FL with his brother Bill, riding Harleys and swooning women. He resided most of his life in his hometown of Niles, MI to be closer to his family. Jon’s presence was a blessing to all who knew him.

Jon spent his career as a Dry Wall Finisher in the construction business. He was also an amazing woodworker.  He was a passionate Michigan & Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed a good movie and would regularly pass the good ones onto friends and family. His favorites were old John Wayne movies. He spent most of his free time at parks with his granddaughter, teaching her how to drive and listening to every growing pain.

Described by friends who loved him as the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He was humble, funny and loyal. His memory will forever be treasured and kept alive through the stories and laughter they share. His influence will continue to be felt by all who were touched by his generous spirit and kind heart.

Thankfully, Jon’s friends and family who have passed before him convinced “the man upstairs” that Jon would not cause to much trouble.

He is survived by his son Douglas (Melissa) Haase and his daughter, Shana (Jason) Ort. His legacy will continue through his grandchildren Brooklyn, Braxton, Noah, Anna, Austin, Ella, Brennan, Kian & Miesha who have brought immense joy into his life. Jon’s surviving siblings, Edward (Debbie), Tom (Lynn) and Kathleen Myers will remember their brother with fondness. He was proceeded in death by his son Eric Hoskin and brothers, Andrew Jr, Daniel and Bill Hoskin.

As we say goodbye to Jon Karl Hoskin, we celebrate a life well lived, full of love, laughter and deep meaningful connections. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Celebration of life to be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Fraternal Order of Eagle- 34 Sycamore St. Niles, MI 49120, from 2-5 pm. A private family burial will be held on a later date.

 Palmer Funeral Home- Hoven Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for Jon’s family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Samadder, Namita 1968-2025

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Namita Samadder
November 10, 1968  -  September 16, 2025

Published on Brown Funeral  Home and Cremation Services website

Namita Samadder Obituary

Namita Samadder, 56, of Niles, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away on September 16, 2025, following an unforeseen accident. Born on November 10, 1968, in the quaint town of Mehurpur, Bangladesh, Namita was a daughter to the late Gopal and Sutanggini (Mandel) Biswas. Her journey began amidst the vibrant culture of her native land, and she carried that rich heritage with her throughout her life.

Namita's early years in Bangladesh were filled with the love and teachings of her devoted parents. She grew up alongside her siblings Polu Biswas, Lily Boiragi, Niyoti Biswas, Kishor Biswas, and Somita Roy, who now mourn her loss while celebrating her remarkable life. Namita's heart found its counterpart in Dilip K. Samadder, whom she married on May 3, 1992, in a beautiful ceremony in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Their union was one of deep affection and mutual respect, and Dilip survives her, holding dear the memories they created together.

The couple was blessed with four sons, and though they faced the tragic loss of their son Akash Samadder, Namita's love and strength continued to shine through her surviving sons, George (Alisa) Samadder, Alfred (Emma) Samadder, and Dickson Samadder. Her role as a mother was one she cherished above all, and she instilled in her children the values by which she lived: kindness, compassion, and faith.

Namita's commitment to caring for others extended beyond her family. She pursued a career in nursing, a profession that allowed her to touch the lives of many with her healing hands and empathetic heart. Her dedication to her faith was evident in her active membership at the Dowagiac Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she not only practiced her beliefs but also formed a community with those who shared her devotion.

Her interests were a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Namita loved to cook, her kitchen always filled with the aromas of her latest creations. Gardening was another passion, with her hands often covered in soil as she tended to her flowers, which bloomed as brightly as her smile. Her faith was a constant source of comfort and guidance; she found joy in reading her Bible and participating in zoom Bible study meetings, teaching others about the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Dowagiac Seventh-day Adventist Church 410 Hill Street, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.

Funeral services to celebrate Namita’s life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 4:00p.m. at the Dowagiac Seventh-day Adventist Church with a time of visitation beginning at 3:00p.m. Namita will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

 

Vandenburg, Christine M. 1959-2025

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Christine M. Vandenburg
July 9, 1959-September 15, 2025

Published in South Bend Tribune; Posted online on September 15, 2025

Christine M. Vandenburg, age 66, of Union Kentucky, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July, 9, 1959 in South Bend, IN to the late James F. and Larraine M. (O’Meara) Yocum.

Christine attended Christ the King School and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in 1977. She would then go on to obtain her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in 1981. Christine and Michael Vandenburg were united in marriage on November 27th, 1993. Before becoming a dedicated homemaker, Christine had a very successful career working in sales and customer service. Christine excelled in roles at Mossberg & Co., Serim Research, and Signature Hardware due to her work ethic and outgoing personality.

Christine is survived by her husband, Michael Vandenburg of Union, KY; her daughter, Sarah Vandenburg of Cincinnati, OH; her son, Thomas Vandenburg of Lexington, KY, her sister, Melanie (Victor) Sulok of Granger, IN; her stepdaughter, Elaine (Michael, Ruby, & Jack) Rowland of Buchanan, MI; her stepson, Paul (Raquel, Parker, & Braxton) Vandenburg of Mishawaka, IN. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Larraine Yocum; her sister, Cynthia Pankiw; her brothers, Patrick and Thomas Yocum; and a daughter, Alexandra Marie Vandenburg.

A visitation will be held 4pm-7pm Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Home ~ Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1pm on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church, South Bend, IN with a visitation ½ hour prior at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ The King Catholic Church

 

Taylor, Mariam Arlene 1932-2025

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Mariam Arlene Taylor
June 26, 1932 — September 14, 2025

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Mariam Arlene Taylor, 93, of Edwardsburg, died peacefully at home, Sunday, September 14, 2025 in the comfort of her family’s presence.  Her life began June 26, 1932 in Edwardsburg born to James and Mary Clemens. 

Arlene was well known for her cooking and baking. Her chocolate eclairs and oatmeal cookies were a family favorite. Hosting holiday celebrations and preparing feasts were always important to her. Arlene had several boats over time and enjoyed relaxing out on the lake. The family owned a pheasant farm and an orchard over the years. Most important, she loved to be with her family. It was important to her to take good care of them. 

Arlene will be dearly missed. She is survived by three daughters, Vicki C. Lange, Janet C. Stewart, Judith C. Cowles; two sons, William M. Taylor, Timothy J. (Sue) Taylor; nine grandchildren, Tammy Douglas, Gregory Taylor Jr., Angela (Charles) Eger, Brooke (Marvin) Poole, Jeb (Staci) Stewart, Jillian Stewart, Connor Cowles, Rebecca Escobedo, Kim Kaylor; twenty-one great grandchildren and two great- great grand-children. Preceding her in death was her husband, William; son, Gregory A. Taylor; brother, Daniel Ostrander; grand-daughter, Christine Douglas and great grand-son, Marvin Poole III.

Family and friends will gather Friday, September 19, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Arlene will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery next to her husband and son.

The family prefers contributions be made in memory of Arlene be made to Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, 5400 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.

Perry, Betty Mae 1933-2025

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Betty Mae Perry
February 2, 1933  -  February 13, 2025

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Betty Mae Perry Obituary

Betty Mae Perry, 92, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Niles, Michigan surrounded by her family.

Betty was born on February 2, 1933 in Lewisville, Arkansas to the late Rev. Joe Davis Sr. and Emma (Anderson) Davis.

Along with her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Perry Jr; daughter, Barbara McGraw; great granddaughter, Ava Perry, and brothers, Mack Davis and Joe Davis.

Betty accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Dowagiac, Michigan under the leadership of Rev. H.C. Smith. Betty also attended Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Lewisville, Arkansas led by Pastor Mac Author Turner.

Left to cherish the memory of Betty are her daughters, Dorothy (George) Perry and Linda (Fred) Treadwell; grandchildren, Curtis (Shantell) Williams, Anthony Perry, Joshua (Tasha) Treadwell, Tonya Treadwell, Nikita McGraw, and Jeremy (Amanda) Turner; great grandchildren, Kayla, Brandon, Jozlin, Justin, Leiah, Aiden, Kennedy, Savannah, Kalynn, Lilly, and Kataleena; siblings, Gloria Sasser of Lewisville, Arkansas, Queen Patterson of Niles, Michigan, Mary Johnson of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Willie Davis of Lewisville, Arkansas; the Anglin family and a host of nieces and nephews.

Known affectionately as "Mama" and "Nana Mae," Betty was a beacon of warmth and nurturing to all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the joy found in simple pleasures and the steadfastness of spiritual devotion.

Betty's hands were rarely still, often busy with needle and thread, weaving love into every quilt she crafted. Each stitch was a reflection of her dedication to her craft and the comfort she sought to provide for others. A daily reader of her Bible, Betty's faith was immense, guiding her principles and actions throughout her life. She lived by the words she often shared with others, "Don't forget to pray" and "Read your Bible," a mantra that embodied her belief in spiritual guidance and strength.

Her zest for life extended beyond her spiritual and creative endeavors. Betty relished the quiet patience of fishing, the nostalgia of watching western films, and the simple joy of puzzle books. Her culinary skills were a source of delight for her loved ones, with the aromas of baking and cooking filling her home with warmth and invitation.

Above all, Betty cherished her family deeply. She was the heart of family gatherings, her love and laughter fueling the bonds that will forever keep her memory alive. As we bid farewell to Betty, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and profoundly impactful, leaving a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.

Visitation for Betty will be on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, Michigan. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

Ludwig, Helen 1940-2025

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Helen Ludwig
October 18, 1940  -  January 18, 2025

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Helen Ludwig, 84, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in South Bend, Indiana.

Helen was born on October 18, 1940 in Poland to the late Thomas Klimczak and Josephine Klimczak.

Along with her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Walt Ludwig Sr; son, Tom Ludwig, and her siblings.

Left to cherish the memory of Helen are her children, Tina Schlutt, Teresa Goze, Walt “Bud” Ludwig Jr, Angela Nekvasil, and Randy Ludwig; grandchildren, Nick Schlutt, April Pruitt, Judy Hartman, Courtnay Schlutt, Josh Schlutt, Tom Goze, Olivia Goze, Chris Ludwig, Lauren Ludwig, Brittney Kerlin, David A. Nekvasil, Travis Rose, and Vera Ludwig, and 16 great grandchildren.

A lifelong devotee of football, she found great joy in cheering on both the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs. Helen's love for the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, was a joyful tune in her life, complementing her daily indulgence in the world's happenings through the crisp pages of the newspaper.

A true family person at heart, Helen's greatest joy was the time spent enveloped in the warmth of her relatives. The bond she shared with her adored cat, Lucy, was a testament to her nurturing spirit. Alongside her loved ones, she relished the simple pleasure of a cold Budweiser, her laughter an infectious melody.

Fiercely proud of her Polish heritage, Helen's remarkable stubbornness was but a charming quirk that endeared her to all. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and a profound zest for life that will be celebrated by all who knew her.

Memorial contributions in honor of Helen may be made out to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Services for Helen are currently pending.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

 

Wood, Tracey Lynn (Tyler) 1963-2025

editor Obituaries

Tracey Lynn (Tyler) Wood
September 6, 1963 - June 26, 2025

Published on website for Max Slayton Funerals & Cremations:

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Tracey Lynn Tyler Wood, 61, of Heath, Texas. Tracey passed away on June 26, 2025, in Rockwall, Texas, surrounded by the people who loved her most.

Born on September 6, 1963, in Niles, Michigan, Tracey was the daughter of the late Robert L. Tyler Jr. and Jean M. Tyler. She grew up in a lively, close-knit family with her brothers— Todd (Ginny), Tim (Pam), and Mike (Lisa)—and carried the strength, grit, and humor that marked her Niles roots into every part of her life.

Tracey was a fierce and faithful presence in the lives of those she loved. She married her best friend and love of her life, Richard Wood, and together they built a life of love, laughter, and deep devotion to family. Tracey was the proud mother of Tyler Wood (Lyndsey) and Parker Wood, and her joy in recent years came from being “Tootsie” to her treasured grandchildren—Judah, Ellie, and Brooks.

Being a “boy mom” was her calling, and she embraced it with her whole heart. She sacrificed so much and gave everything to her boys. She was their #1 fan—whether it was baseball, football or just practice, she was there. Her love was fierce, constant, and always on full display. She loved her boys, to the moon and back.

Tracey had a spirit that was tough, passionate, and utterly loyal. She had a smile that lit up every room and gave it freely to everyone she met, if she knew them or not. That smile reflected her open heart and genuine kindness. To her husband, she was more than a partner—she was his rock.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents and her brother, Tim Tyler.

Her graveside service will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, Michigan; additional details will be shared with family and friends as arrangements are finalized.

As we grieve her loss, we hold on to the truth in these words: "God, in His mercy, lets us taste joy before asking us to bear the pain it costs. In His design, even sorrow is a sign of how deeply we've loved—and how richly we've been blessed."