TRAVERSE CITY — Margaret Kathleen Pykosz, 78, of Empire, formerly of Lapeer, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City after a long battle with lung cancer.Margaret was born June 3, 1933, to the late John and Antonia (Shabal) Meyer, in Detroit. Margaret entered into marriage with Albert Pykosz on July 10, 1954, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Detroit.Margaret was a wonderful mother to six children. After many summer vacations in northern Michigan, Margaret moved permanently to Empire shortly after her husband's passing. Margaret spent a great deal of time in the garden and was proud Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She could often be found watching news, blogging on the computer and reading.Margaret enjoyed flower gardening; cooking; playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and Tiger baseball. She had a passion for reading and was very well-versed in many things from her appetite for literature.Margaret was strong in her faith and a member of St. Philip Catholic Church.Margaret is survived by five of her children: her daughters, Kathy Cairns, of Empire, Margie (Bruce) Movelson, of Gladstone; her three sons, Will Pykosz, of Falls Church, Va., Albert (Linda) Pykosz, of Connecticut, and Don Pykosz, of Lapeer; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends.Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, John and Antonia Meyer; husband, Albert Pykosz; and daughter, Laura Pykosz.A Memorial Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Graveside committal services will be held in St. Philip Neri Catholic Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front St., Empire, MI 49630.Please share thoughts with the family at Margaret's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.