Margaret Furlong

Margaret Budde Furlong, 99, of Charlevoix, MI, died peacefully on July 31, 2023, with her children and many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren by her side. She was born in Detroit, MI on April 23, 1924, the second of three children born to Francis and Mathilda Budde. 

Margaret grew up on the east side of Detroit and spent much of her childhood playing in the neighborhoods around East Grand Boulevard and Belle Isle.  She attended Saint Charles High School and, shortly after, started a career at the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. 

Margaret met her husband, James Walter Furlong in 1949 when her sister-in-law, Charlotte, taught school together with Jim’s mother, and a match was struck. Their first date, to the hydroplane boat races on the Detroit River, was a success and they were off to the races as a young couple.  They married on May 26, 1951, and settled in Grosse Pointe Woods to raise their family of four children. They enjoyed 62 happy years as husband and wife before Jim’s death in 2013.  

Margaret made a wonderful home for her family and was involved with every aspect of their lives. She was active in the academic and religious development of the kids at St. Joan of Arc Church and school.  She was always self-reliant and instilled this trait in her children.  Margaret made her own clothes and passed this skill onto her daughters and was quite involved in Scouting with the boys.  Some of her children’s favorite memories are of family trips to the Eastern Market, the zoo, and picnics in the park. The days spent on Belle Isle—biking, canoeing, horseback riding, attending bandshell concerts, chasing fish at the aquarium, and strolling in the arboretum—were particularly special.

Margaret was a dedicated mother, loving grandmother, and doting great-grandmother. She was, as her grandchildren liked to remind her, older than sliced bread. She was witness to countless historical events throughout her long life, through which she gracefully grew, adapted, and yet remained true to herself. With her devoted husband, she sowed the seed of what is now a large family tree. She was always amazed by the kindness and devotion of her family, but we were formed by her.

Margaret was the dear mother of Maureen (Jim) Baldwin, James (Bonnie) Furlong Jr., Thomas (Anne) Furlong and Anne (Steve) Vosters. She leaves 11 cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Mark, and Alexander Furlong; Kelly, Matthew, Michelle and Jennifer Vosters; Michael, Megan, Kelly, and Adrienne Baldwin. She also leaves 10 great grandchildren—Brayden Baldwin, Owen Vosters, Remie Furlong, Grayden and Caleb Jackson, Hudson and Milo Plaza, Alyssa and Aubrey Owen, and Emma Williams. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim and her brothers Francis and Edward Budde. 

Margaret was a wonderful wife and mother who loved her kids and provided a happy nurturing home.  She encouraged and supported her children’s education and ensured they had many opportunities to explore and develop their interests. Margaret loved interacting with her kids, and grandkids regardless of her age.  She could always be found playing on the floor with them and engaging with them personally and playfully. 

Family and friends can pay respects on Thursday, August 17, between 9:30 - 10:00 AM in the gathering space of Holy Family Catholic Church, 24505 Meadowbrook Rd, Novi, MI 48375.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, followed by the Rite of Committal at Mt. Elliott Cemetery, 1701 Mount Elliott St, Detroit. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen - Online Donations (cskdetroit.org)

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com