Mary Hyde

Mary Jane “Janie” was born in North Dorr, Michigan on July 13, 1939. She was the youngest of six children born to Martin (Mike) and Laura (Bieber) Harig. She attended Byron Center Public Schools and lived all her life in the Byron Center area with her husband, Bruce, where they lovingly raised six children Terry (Kim) Hyde of Byron Center, Diane (Dennis) Force of Gun Lake, Brian (Nancy) Hyde of Wayland, Beth (Travis) Veldhouse of Byron Center, Melissa (Sieghard) Janz of Dorr, and Amy Hyde of Wyoming.

Bruce and Mary celebrated 60 years of marriage on October 8 this year. They loved to dance together and spend time with family and friends. Mary was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church where she was active in the Altar Society for many years. Her deep faith in God, love for her husband, and devotion to her children and grandchildren was evident in the life she led with joy, and compassion.

Many hours were spent in praying the rosary and keeping her family, friends, and anyone in need lifted in prayer. Mary was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother - always showing her love in various ways, ready to care for her grandchildren when they were not feeling well, and of course giving them the best snacks. Her famous line of "do you want a cookie?" will be remembered by all. They loved going to Grandma and Grandpa's house. The Friday morning "hair days" are remembered with smiles and fun by family, friends, and neighbors. Remembering Grandma with love are also her grandchildren Tim (Angela), Emily (Matt), Brittany (Gilbert), Trevor, Breanna, Thomas, Justin, Elizabeth, Christian, Bryce, Keith, Chloe, Sarah, and Mia; and her great-grandchildren Payton, Carter, Sybil, Mason, Oliver, Lincoln, Lucas, and Alejandra.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Donald Harig, Harold (Lloyd) Harig, Dorothy Clary, James Harig, and Norma Luxford; brothers-in-law Adrian Clary, Ray Luxford, Robert Hyde, Leroy Genther; and sister-in-law, Marlene Hooker. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Patricia Harig, Maxine Harig, Kay Genther, Gerry Hyde, Doris (Charles) Mehlberg, and Janice (John) Inghram.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial mass and burial for family will be in held in December. The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at www.cookcaresbyron.com. In memory of Mary and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following local organizations: Faith Hospice, Project Hope - Annetta Jansen Ministry Center, and Alzheimer's Association of West Michigan.