Sara Hayduk

Sara Hayduk, 92, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020, at her home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at a later date. Burial will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, MI. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Sara was born on January 18, 1928, to Faustino and Antonia (Hernandez) Gonzales in Santiago De Veraguas, Panama. On September 1, 1951, Sara married the love of her life, Russell Hayduk, at Fort Kobbe in the Panama Canal Zone. The two met while he was serving in the United States Army. They were happily married for nearly 58 years before he passed away in 2009. For a number of years, Sara worked in the kitchen for Berrien General Hospital and cleaned offices for Whirlpool Corporation. She was also a volunteer at the former Lakeland Hospital working with their Hospice Grief Support Groups. Sara enjoyed cooking meals such as arroz con pollo, baking and tending to her rose garden. What gave Sara the most happiness was her family; she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an incredible lady who was always willing to help when needed. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. Sara is survived by her children, Kenneth (Gracia) Hayduk of Katy, TX, Harry (Ramona) Hayduk of Waynesville, MO, and Marta Daniels of Benton Harbor; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Cenobia and Juana. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell; and siblings, Rosa, Celia, Tomas, Ricardo, and Maurilio.