Mary J. Hamilton

Mary Joan Hamilton of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on September 27, 2024. Mary was a loving wife, mom, grandma and great nana. She was born on November 11, 1933 in Holland, MI, to Vernon and Johana Van Oort. She graduated from Holland High in 1952. While attending Holland High, Mary was a proud Dutch Dancer, even traveling with her troupe to New York City to be on the Arthur Godfrey Show to showcase their dancing skills. While working in Holland, Mary met the love of her life, John Hamilton, who was attending Hope College. The two were married in September of 1953, and welcomed their daughter Yvonne in 1954. Mary was an extremely talented seamstress who enjoyed making clothes for her family and creating many Christmas tree skirts and quilts. She also babysat many children throughout her years, becoming a second mom to many. In her later years she sold Avon and made many friends while doing so. Mary and John were fishermen at heart who spent their weekends in the summer at their boat, Fishless, in Manistee, MI. Mary was always ready with a laugh or smile and could put anyone at ease. She let everyone know "on my birthday they fly the flag for me" as her birthday was on Veterans Day. She always showed up for her grandkids' and great grandkids' events, whether it was baseball, basketball, dance, cheerleading, volleyball, musicals, football, or soccer, her family knew she would be there watching and cheering them on from the stands. She will be missed by many who enjoyed seeing her in the stands rooting for her great grandchildren. Mary loved nothing more than spending time with her family and large circle of friends. She spent many nights playing the card game "golf" with her friends of 60 plus years. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter: Yvonne Ryder, her grandchildren: Heather (Randy) Sheahan and Eric Ryder, her great grandchildren: Alexis and Lauren Sheahan, Austyn and Briggs Ryder. She was preceded in death by her parents: Vernon and Johana VanOort, her husband: John Hamilton, her brother: Lester VanOort, her son-in-law: Robert Ryder and her nieces: Suzanne VanOort and Kristi Eenigenburg.
A celebration of life will be held November 3, 2024 from 1pm to 3pm at Carol's Catering 3446 Plainfield, Grand Rapids, MI

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