Elizabeth Hyde

Elizabeth May Hyde was born in Grand Rapids on January 3, 1937. Elizabeth had two brothers and the three of the children filled up the home. The family always had dogs as pets in the home. The family would often rent cottages or cabins in the Upper Peninsula or Michigan for their family vacations. Tahquamenon Falls was a special place for the family and that also became one destination to Elizabeth that she learned to love. Another family tradition was to picnic on Sunday afternoons. This was a time of relaxations with good food and a time to enjoy the outdoors. She attended East Leonard Grade School and attended and graduated from Creston High School. She learned to play piano at an early age and she loved to play the piano for relaxation. When playing the piano, hymns would be heard throughout the house as this was her first love of music. Classical music was her second love and she would play those also. Elizabeth was blessed with a great voice and she was happy to share her God given talents in singing in the church choir. She also was a Sunday school teacher for the younger children. After graduation in 1955, Elizabeth began working for Michigan Mutual Insurance Company and continued there until 1966. At that time, she thought a different company would be better for her so she went to Kemper Insurance Company and continued there until her retirement at age 62, in 1999. While working at Michigan Mutual, she met Louise Wood and the two of them became very good friends and that friendship continued until Louise’s death. Elizabeth and Louise were born one day apart from each other in the same year. Quilting, knitting and sewing were some of her hobbies that she enjoyed. Many other crafts were always a challenge to her and she enjoyed many different craft projects. During her retirement years she was able to travel to England, and also traveled the Western Caribbean twice. Costa Rica and Aruba were two places that she really enjoyed. When asked about special times in her life she would respond that a cruise with her brother Jim and a last trip with her brother Dave the summer before his death were some of the highlights of her life. That time together with her brothers brought back good memories of the family bond. Dorothy Mc Nabb, Elizabeth’s aunt, was a great influence to her. After Elizabeth’s parents died, Dorothy looked after Elizabeth even though she was twenty six years old. Dorothy’s influence made a great impression on her and she was always grateful for what Dorothy did for her. About 1940 Elizabeth began to collect porcelain dolls. The collection over the years has grown to over 50 dolls and also a substantial monetary value. Another item of interest is a 65 year old doll carriage. Elizabeth explained that her life was simple and that she enjoyed a laid back approach to life. She will be missed.

Elizabeth moved to Florida several years ago, and passed away on November 15, 2022 in Spring Hill, Florida. Interment will be in Fairplains Cemetery in Grand Rapids.