Sallie Jo Maitre

Sallie Jo Maitre, 77, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024 due to complications from surgery in December of 2023.

She was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Joseph and Sally (McGuire) Maitre. Sallie Jo graduated from Lakeview High School and continued her education at Western Michigan University earning her bachelor’s degree in education. She started her teaching career with Battle Creek Catholic Schools and then went on to Maple Valley Publics Schools as an elementary school teacher, where she retired. 

Sallie Jo loved gardening, weather permitting she was at peace outside tending to the garden or walking and enjoying nature on their acreage. She was a rescue dog person and they always had two dogs at home. Above all else she truly loved spending time with her daughter Sara, who passed away in April of 2020 due to a brain tumor and her granddaughter Sierra along with Swayze her great granddaughter. Sallie Jo was so proud of Sierra with her love of horses and thoroughly enjoyed attending Sierra’s equestrian events.

Sallie Jo will be truly missed for her love of gardening, nature and by her family.

She is survived by her life companion of 24 years Dave McFadden of Bellevue, her granddaughter, Sierra (Cole) Madry of Bellevue and her great granddaughter Swayze. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Elara Caring Hospice of Kalamazoo or to Waggin Tails Dog Rescue of Northville, Michigan.

A private memorial service will take place at a later date and she will be laid to rest next to her daughter at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. To leave the family a message please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com