Mary F. Byrd, better known as “Miss Mary”, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, January 30, 2016, at home surrounded by her loving family following a several month battle with cancer. She was 72 years young, and from Caledonia.
On May 8, 1943, Mary was born in Marion, Ohio, one of three children of the late Charles and Cestele (Shriver) McGhee.
Starting a family early in life, Mary dedicated herself to being the best homemaker and mother possible for her husband and children. She taught herself to be an excellent cook, often spoiling her family with their favorite meals, especially her mashed potatoes which several believed were “the best in the world.”
Getting a second chance at love, Mary found a loving friend and companion in James Byrd Jr. while working together at Greif Brothers in Marion. They were married on November 4, 1977, in the Lee St. Presbyterian Church in Marion. They cherished the simple things in life during their thirty five years together, like spending time on the porch swing, fishing, and making each other laugh through all of life’s ups and downs. He preceded her in death on March 28, 2013.
One of Mary’s favorite pastimes was sewing, and she could make about anything. Her specialty was making vests, and she had one or two ready for every holiday of the year. Mary had lots of sewing projects in the works, but there was never enough time to finish them all. She enjoyed collecting thimbles, trying to collect one for every state and several from different countries. She also collected old pitchers and toothpick holders. For over ten years, Mary also worked at WalMart in their sewing and fabric department.
To say Mary was “meticulous about everything” was an understatement! She believed “if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right.” She always carried herself with dignity, was well dressed, and she made sure everything about her was always “just right”…especially her hair, and there was “never a hair out of place.” Her prim and proper ways is how she earned her nickname, “Miss Mary”.
Known by all the children throughout the neighborhood as “Grandma Mary”, they loved visiting her home to see what goodies she would have in the candy jars on her counter, and they knew they couldn’t leave without a hug and a kiss. She too truly cherished their visits.
Having a deep appreciation for nature, Mary believed in treating the earth with care so it would be here for the next generations of her family to enjoy. She truly loved being outdoors, and enjoyed tending to her vegetable and flower gardens every year.
One of Mary’s proudest achievements was having the courage to go back to school at age 53, to earn her GED. She always believed you can achieve your dreams, no matter the obstacles, or what life throws at you.
“Grandma Mary” enriched the lives of all who knew her and she was greatly loved. Her “hugs” will be missed by many.
Mary will be dearly missed by her four children: Tami (Mike) Reilly of Columbus, Tina (Cliff) Hamilton of Hilliard, Jason (Christina) Byrd of Michigan, and Jeremy Byrd of Caledonia; three step-children: Patricia (Don) Foertsch of Nevada, Rick (Amy Huckaba) Byrd of Marion, and Jamie Best of Bucyrus; 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Janet) McGhee of Napoleon, OH; a sister, Linda (Paul) Wright of Columbus; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her son, Michael J. Steiner; infant daughter, Tonya Ray Steiner; and former husband, Michael Ray Steiner.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2nd, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will also be held there at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, with Hospice Chaplain Jeff Slider officiating. Burial will follow in Claridon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Morrow County and the American Cancer Society, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Mary’s family and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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