Mary Alice (Blandford) Spayde

Mary Blandford Spayde, age 87, passed away on October 8, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Marion Blandford, her brothers Vic Jr. and Will Blandford and her husband, David Spayde. She is survived by her sister Laura Higgins and her daughters Betsey Spayde and Carolyn (Kurt) Krahulik and her grandchildren, Rachel and Mitchell Krahulik. Also surviving are her sisters’ in law Carla Blandford and Jane Spayde and brother-in-law Richard Spayde and beloved nieces and nephews.

     Mary graduated from Creston High School and received her BA degree from Western Michigan University where she was President of of Associated Women Students, active in Delta Zeta Sorority and Mortar Board honorary. She received her Masters from Michigan State University where she was an instructor for ten years.

     She taught in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for many years. When teaching kindergarten at Palmer School, the 1st grade teachers recognized her students because they always pushed in their chairs!

     Always feeling a deep commitment for her community, Mary volunteered through her membership in the Junior Diet Kitchen of Butterworth (Spectrum) Hospital, Riverside P.T.A. and the Blandford Nature Center. She was actively involved at Second Congregational Church for over 60 years and a longtime member of the Women’s City Club.

     Spending summers at the family cottage in Bay View, MI she established and grew the Arts and Craft Program as its Director for 45 years. She could help kids produce a beautiful craft on a shoestring budget using recycled and found objects.

     Mary always felt thankful for her wonderful, active and interesting life. She cherished her family and friendships. After saying a prayer at family gatherings, she would embarrass her grandkids by saying, she was “especially grateful for Rachel and Mitchell.”

     Because of the pandemic, no public service or visitation will be held. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Mary’s name to:

The Annual Fund-Recreation of the Bay View Association. PO Box 583 Petoskey, MI 49770 or www.bayviewassociation.org/giving.

The Blandford Nature Center 1715 Hillburn NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. (Donate Now)

Second Congregational Church 525 Cheshire Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505. www.2ndchurch.com.

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