I first met Maggie Kingstad in the early 1990’s, when she was hired to join our case management team that provided services to people who experienced mental illness at Allegan County Community Mental Health. What an incredible human being she was! I feel so blessed to have known her and have called her my friend.
Maggie was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. In her early twenties, she moved to Chicago and worked as a surgical technician in the OR at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital. Maggie came to Allegan County, MI in the 1970’s and later obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work at Grand Valley State University.
Maggie cared about people. Her heart was bigger than the ocean. She risked her life assisting women and children who experienced violence and life threatening situations find a safe place to live. This was before there were shelters for persons who experienced domestic violence. Maggie was involved in the development of Sylvia’s Place, a shelter in Allegan County.
When Maggie and I worked together as case managers, she always looked for and found positive/creative ways to solve problems in the most difficult of circumstances. She wasn’t afraid to try something new. Maggie saw good in all people even those whose lives were troubled and/or falling apart. She also loved animals, nature and enjoyed spending time camping and meditating in the woods surrounded by flowers and trees.
I last saw Maggie in the fall of 2015 at Marcia Perry’s Goddess Art Exhibit in Saugatuck, MI. She had previously spent several months and done much hard work in recovering from a stroke. Maggie was doing well and appeared happy and content in retirement. Sadly she became seriously ill and left us in the spring of 2016.
Maggie touched the lives of many people in a very positive way. She left us way too soon. I truly miss her generosity, beautiful spirit and sense of humor. I am certain her multitude of friends and family do too. I won’t forget the life lessons she taught us all. See the good in people. Believe in yourself. Take time to smell the roses and enjoy life. Know that humor can be a wonderful tool to cope with the most difficult of situations.
Maggie …you are in that special place with the Angels now. I know you are still cheering us on. Thank you for all you gave to your family, friends and clients. Your beautiful spirit remains with us and we will remember you. May we continue your legacy of respect, kindness and love.
Linda Adamcz, August 2017
