Vonda Mae Sedlacek

May 19, 1941 - April 6, 2022

Vonda Mae Sedlacek, age 80, of Traverse City, passed away on April 6, 2022 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. She was born the third child to George Sidney and Thena E. Pearsall Smith of Mio, Michigan. She grew up on a small farm in Mio and graduated from Mio High School in 1959. Then she moved to Traverse City where she attended Traverse City Beauty School. Soon she met and married Paul Belanger of Lake Leelanau. After working as a cosmetologist for a few years, she opened her own beauty shop in the front of their house in Lake Leelanau. She displayed her artistic side by painting, studying genealogy, and writing a book on the history of the village. She was a sweet and loving mom to Troy and Tanya. Vonda was active in her community, volunteering in the Lake Leelanau Chamber of Commerce. She organized pancake breakfasts at the fire station, flower planting around the village, and activities at the Grove Park like forming the ice skating rink and installing the tennis courts. Winter was time for Christmas decorating in town and the Snofari snowmobile riding. She enjoyed working and playing with her neighbors and friends. Her next venture was managing Dan’s Bar, where she hired performers to play country or polka music. She formed and played in pool and euchre leagues for the bar. There she met her beloved second husband, Charles. They married on May 31, 1986, in Leland. By then, she was working at Boride Manufacturing in Traverse City. Whatever she did, she gave her best effort and worked hard. She is known for her infectious laugh and candid words. While working at the long-term care facility in Northport, she and Charlie moved to the country. There she enjoyed growing her flowers, tending her waterfall and pond, and feeding the local wildlife. The deer and birds were numerous, providing simple pleasure. She loved sharing her little slice of heaven with others, taking walks or sitting on the back deck. Later she retired and the couple moved to Glen Eagle in Traverse City. There she was a fierce bingo player, spending time with friends, and attending church. Even though she lost both of her legs, she continued to be independent. She cherished time with her family and friends until the end of her life. She is survived by her two children, Troy Belanger and Tanya LaMont; her four grandchildren including Caleb, Jared, and Jordan LaMont; her brother Owen Smith, and her sister Karen Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and older sister Thena “Peggy” Nagel, brother-in-law “Dick” Nagel, sister-in-law Inez, and son-in-law Mark LaMont. Vonda’s family would like to truly thank all those at the Grand Traverse Pavilion and Hospice Care of Michigan who cared for her. Your kindness, care, and patience are greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation for the Concerts on the Lawn. A burial service at Kittle Cemetery in Mio will be held at a later date for family. A memorial service will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in the gardens at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI, 49684. Relatives and friends may call on the family during a time visitation one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, there will be a time of fellowship and refreshments.