Mary Ann Nixon

Mary Ann Nixon was a warm and friendly, fun-loving woman. She possessed a wonderful combination of strength, independence and compassion. She had a countenance about her that drew people in - those in need, those seeking advice, even perfect strangers at the mall seemed to sense that she was approachable and receptive to anything they wanted to tell her. Mary was a beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, not to mention a devoted friend to so many over her 56 years. Most of all, she was a woman whose love of life rubbed off on everyone around her.

Mary Ann's story began on March 7th 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. James and Hilda (DeVries) Roede had reason to celebrate as they welcomed their second child - a beautiful baby girl. It was a time of peace in America although both the Korean and Cold wars were looming in the not-so-distant future. All in the country were trying to claim their slice of the American Dream earning on average $3200 per year and paying 3 cents for a stamp, 14 cents for a loaf of bread and 82 cents for a gallon of milk - which had better be 2% if it was for Mary! On the television, which incidentally would become one of Mary's favorite inventions, people were enjoying shows like Truth or Consequences, Hop-Along Cassidy and The Lone Ranger. Our very own Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup when Mary was just months old, however, she would grow up to be more of a football kind of gal.

Mary joined her brother Ronald in the Roede home, which was located on Walker Street in Grand Rapids. Her childhood was full of fun and adventure. She attended West Leonard Elementary School and through the years met 5 young ladies that would become life-long friends: Judi, JoAn, Sharon, Mary and Mary. Not only did two of them share her name - undoubtedly leading to chaos at times - they all developed a special bond that time could not diminish. In addition to hanging with the girls, Mary enjoyed playing softball, bowling and taking evening strolls to the Dairy Queen right down the road from her house. One particular trip home from the DQ was quite memorable as it involved her walking, cone and all, smack-dab into a telephone pole. She probably recovered like a pro and confidently acted like it was all the telephone pole's fault. Another childhood memory that Mary often shared was that of her dog Rudy - who would hide under her mom and dad's bed and make the funniest noise when she tried to get him out. Much to Mary's dismay, this raucous would usually wake her folks and clue them in to the fact that she'd been out too late.

Mary went on to graduate from Union High School, and then attended Grand Rapids Junior College to earn her LPN degree. She then went to work in the Labor and Delivery section of Blodgett Hospital for many years, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Eventually, she left the nursing field to become the Vice President of her family's business, Dry Mix Crete & Supply in Comstock Park.

Of course, Mary found success in far more than her professional life. In her personal life, she was blessed with three wonderful children: Noel, Sarah and Aaron. Raising them on her own wasn't easy but they meant the world to her and she willingly sacrificed her own desires to ensure their welfare and happiness. She was very active and involved in every aspect of their lives from helping them with school projects to serving as a Brownie troop leader. And, of course, she was the No. 1 fan at all of their sporting events - you couldn't miss her - she was the really loud one with the Coca-Cola in one hand and the big sign in the other! Her children were always her top priority, and she always knew what they were up to. In fact, her Comstock Park home was a welcome hub of activity, with her kids and their friends hanging out there quite often.

When her grandchildren arrived, Mary became the epitome of a proud, loving Grandma. She doted on each of her five wonderful grandkids: Taylor, Jack, Averi, Ethan and Rylee. They meant the world to her and she enjoyed spending time with each of them. Every Sunday Mary planned a big dinner and invited the entire family over for Lion's Football. Of course, she yelled and screamed at the t.v. as if she personally affected the outcome of the game but in the end two things were always apparent: nothing could shake her loyalty to the Lions and dinner would be hot and delicious.

Mary enjoyed traveling, and did so often, visiting exotic locales such as Hawaii, Europe, and Cancun, as well as other exciting locations across the United States. One of her favorite vacation spots was Las Vegas, the perfect place for Mary, who was so outgoing and loved big crowds. She also had many friends, and loved to go camping with a bunch of people she affectionately dubbed "The Beach Group," camping at Pentwater or Grand Haven, spending warm summer nights between the sand and the stars.

Mary also enjoyed shopping, buying shoes and purses, or adding to her impressive collection of dolls and Coca-Cola memorabilia. Christmas time was of course her favorite time to shop, when she had an excuse to spoil her grandkids!

Mary loved to go out to eat, but would be the first to admit that she was particular about a restaurant. You couldn't go wrong with lasagna from Olive Garden, ribs from Ruby Tuesday's, or the Swiss steak from Swan Inn. But don't even attempt to grill anything without wrapping it in tin foil first. She had an extreme dislike for charbroiled anything.

Mary enjoyed the simpler pleasures, as well, with quiet days at home, her beloved pets by her side. She had many pet companions over the years, sitting faithfully by her feet as she watched her favorite show, Golden Girls or her favorite cable channel, Lifetime.

To sum up her life, Mary loved people and people loved her. Sadly, Mary died Thursday, September 21, 2006. The portrait of her life was painted with strokes of love, strength and compassion. These colors will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She will be greatly missed.

Mary Ann (Roede) Nixon, age 56, of Belmont passed away September 21, 2006. She was preceded in death by her father James Roede. Mary is survived by her mother Hilda Roede, children Noel (Rhonda) Nixon, Sarah (Josh) Zandstra, Aaron (Amy) Nixon; grandchildren Taylor, Jack Nixon, Averi, Ethan Nixon, and Rylee Zandstra; brother Ronald (Linda) Roede; many family members and close friends. The service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Monday at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW with a luncheon immediately following the service at Lincoln Country Club on Lake Michigan Dr. Friends are invited to meet with her family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral chapel. Interment at Rosedale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To read Mary's life story or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.