Mary Nancy Kirvan

Mary Nancy Kirvan, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on June 14, 2025. She spent her final week doing what she loved—playing pickleball, golfing, and practicing yoga—before, as her family lovingly says, “running into the arms of Jesus.”

Born on April 20, 1950, Mary grew up in Ravenna, Michigan, a place she cherished for its strong family ties and deep roots. She often reminisced about her 40+ cousins and her grandfather, S.J. Linck, who served as president of the local bank. Her parents, Leo & Teresa Linck (Goncer) instilled in her a deep faith and a strong work ethic, values she carried throughout her life. Mary fondly recalled her early days picking strawberries and blueberries—an activity she later shared with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her a “professional” berry picker.

During high school, Mary’s family moved to Muskegon, where she graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1968. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University in 1972 and later completed a master’s degree in education from Michigan State University in 1997.

Mary’s teaching career began early but paused when she met and married her husband, Dave, and they started a family. Her most treasured role was that of wife, mother, and grandmother. Through dedication and sacrifice, Mary was able to stay home with her five children, ensuring they each received 12 years of Catholic education and her constant support in their school and extracurricular activities. Once her children were older, she returned to teaching, serving as an adjunct educator at Lansing Community College.

Mary expressed her love through her presence, her cooking, and her warm hospitality. Together with Dave, she created a home that was always welcoming. Her faith and family were the cornerstones of her life. She was deeply involved in her parish, St. Therese in Lansing. After moving to Grand Rapids in 2008, Mary and Dave became active members of Blessed Sacrament Parish, where she sang in the choir and continued her service to the community with volunteering including with the local food bank. She was also a committed member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 356.

Mary was welcomed into Heaven by her daughter, Elizabeth Mary, her parents, Leo and Teresa Linck, her sister, Marti Bourdon, and son-in-law, Dan Ryan. Mary's greatest legacy is the love she gave to her husband of 52 years, Dave; her children, Katie Ryan, Amanda (Marc) Kroll, John Kirvan, Rachel Kirvan (Percy Neyra), and Matt (Melissa) Kirvan; and her grandchildren, Katelynn, Elizabeth, Dani, Joey, Andy, Leah, Mackenzie, Alejandro, Winnie, and Jack; siblings, Leo Linck Jr., David (Suzanne) Linck and Joe (Jackie) Linck.

Mary’s legacy is one of love, faith, and service—a life well-lived and deeply cherished by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club, both organizations that were anchors of Mary’s life in Grand Rapids.

Visitation:

Thursday, July 17th at 4pm-7pm

Reyers North Valley Chapel

2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Funeral Mass:

Friday, July 18th at 10am with visitation the hour prior

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

2233 Diamond Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505