Tae Son Maki

Tae Son Maki was a strong-willed woman who lived her life by being an example of a caring mother and a devoted friend. Feisty and very straightforward, she was a hard worker, and constantly thinking of others. Despite learning English as a second language, Tae Son had no problem showing her love for her family and friends.

The year 1943 saw the United States and most of Europe and Asia embroiled in World War II. In Korea, there was much concern over the war, for the country was beginning to experience discord of its own, which would eventually lead to the Korean War. In Seoul, on August 31, 1943, the family of Tae Son Maki was celebrating her birth, a happy day for every one. Tae Son had a brother and a sister, and many relatives living under the same roof. This large extended family nurtured and cared for Tae Son as she was growing up. However, on June 5, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, and Tae Son’s life changed. Because of the Korean War, her childhood was greatly affected.

In the early ‘60s, a friend introduced Tae Son to a young American soldier named Bruce Maki. Bruce had been drafted and was stationed in Korea for 13 months. Tae Son and Bruce enjoyed being together and spent several months getting to know more about each other. By the time Bruce’s tour was coming to an end, love had blossomed and the couple knew they would be getting married. Bruce returned to the United States and began the long process of procuring all the paper work necessary for the wedding to take place. When this formidable task was accomplished, Tae Son and Bruce were married at the United States Consul in Seoul. It was a simple ceremony, but one full of love. The date was May 12, 1965. They honeymooned right in Seoul, spending their time visiting all the tourist spots. Eventually Bruce‘s visa expired and he had to return to the United States – without his beloved Tae Son. For another 6 months, Bruce tackled more paper work, anxious for his new wife to join him.

Finally, Tae Son arrived in Lansing, Michigan, where she and Bruce settled into a small apartment. Bruce’s parents lived in Lansing and provided family for Tae Son. Bruce worked as the assistant store manager for National Food Services and Tae Son began working at Sparrow Hospital in Environmental Services.

In the circle of life, it is said that when someone dies, another is born and the world involuntarily makes up for great losses through simultaneous gains. In 1970, Tae Son’s mother was hit by a car, and died of her injuries. Tae Son, pregnant with her first child, returned to Korea to be with her family. While there, she gave birth to a beautiful daughter she named Mary. Tae Son and Mary remained in Korea for the next few months, while Bruce waited in Lansing, anxious to see his wife and new daughter.

When Tae Son and Mary returned, the family moved to Kalamazoo. Bruce had a new job as a manager for National Foods at a store located in Eastwood Plaza, near the family home on Craft Avenue. Tae Son stayed at home with Mary, making a home for the three of them. After Mary started school, Tae Son began working nights. She was always there for Mary during the day and by working nights, could be sure that Mary had the best.

When Mary was little, the family would often go camping at local state parks. Tae Son loved to fish but always used macaroni noodles for bait. No “yucky” live worms for her! In 1979, Tae Son and Mary returned to Korea for a month-long visit with Tae Son’s family. By this time, Tae Son was working in Environmental Services at Bronson Methodist Hospital, a job she held for 21 years.

Tae Son was a hard worker, frequently working overtime while Mary was in college to ensure that she could focus on her studies and not have to work to cover her basic needs and extras. She also had time to have fun with her friends. She loved to play bingo, sometimes at St. Mary’s Church, and other times at any number of local halls. Once and a while she and a group of friends would take the bus to the Blue Chip in Michigan City. Tae Son enjoyed the socializing on the bus as much as anything. She was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for the family. Mary always had the prettiest prom dress, lovingly hand-made by her mother. Tae Son could also knit and whatever she made, either by sewing or knitting, was always done without a pattern. Tae Son loved to cook, and often made many of the traditional Korean dishes. She never skimped when she cooked and there was always more than enough. Over the years, she began phasing out the traditional dishes, in favor of more “American” fare. She was also very superstitious. There could never be a shoe that was flipped on its side or upside down. This was considered bad luck.

In 2001 Tae Son was diagnosed with lung cancer. For a while things were going pretty well. Her grandson Peter was born, and she was able to fly to Vancouver to be with Mary and her husband Jim. The birth of Peter gave Tae Son something to live for. She would often say to Jim. “He looks just like you”, and then say to Mary, “He looks just like you”. She loved her grandson with all her heart. However, her lung disease worsened. She had been able to still get around up until the last few weeks. Always feisty and independent, when someone would offer to help, she would respond with “I’m fine”. Even while in the hospital, she was thinking of others. She would always order 2 Pepsis, one for her, and one for her husband. She would always say, “I’m fine” even before you could ask her. She would never admit how she truly felt.

Tae Son Maki died peacefully on May 7, 2004 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. The essence of Tae Son’s life will be celebrated at her Life Story Funeral on Monday, May 10, 2004 at 12 noon at the BETZLER LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOMES, Stadium Drive West of US-131. An open house will follow the service back at the family home. Her family includes Bruce E. Maki, her husband; daughter Mary and son-in-law Jim Kilway II of Vancouver, WA; a grandson Peter Kilway of Vancouver, WA and a brother-in-law Curtis (Marilyn) Maki of Lansing. To read Tae Son’s life story, archive a favorite memory of her, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to American Lung Association or American Cancer Society, please visit her personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com