Mary Brashear Hornby's Obituary
Mary Brashear King Hornby, age 89, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025 in Muskegon, Michigan. Mary was born in Grand Haven, Michigan on February 10, 1936 to Kenneth and Lois (Brashear) King. She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing before transferring to Michael Reese School of Nursing in Chicago where she graduated in 1958. Mary dedicated her career to caring for others, beginning her work at Grand Haven Hospital before transitioning into the field of geriatric medicine where she served as Director of Nursing at several local nursing facilities, a role she held with compassion and leadership until her retirement in 2004. A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, Mary lived a life rooted in faith and service. She had a passion for quilting and sewing and was an active member of the Lighthouse Quilt Guild. An avid lover of nature, she found joy in gardening and spending time outdoors. Above all, Mary cherished her family. She especially adored her grandchildren and embraced the beautiful chaos they brought into her life. She is survived by her three children, G. Gordon (Lori) Hornby, Abigail Knue, and Kurt (Chris) Hornby; five grandchildren, Melinda (David), Zachary, Makenzie, Victoria (Ryan), and Maria; four great-grandchildren, Sarah, Avery, Luke, and Wyatt; and her sister, Jean (Pam) King. A CELEBRATION OF HER LIFE will be held 3:00 PM Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church (508 Franklin Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417) with a time of fellowship with her family immediately following her service. MEMORIALS in memory of Mary may be directed to https://Ottawacountyparksfoundation.org, https://Worldwildlifefund.org, https://Globalelephants.org, or https://Cancerresearchinstitute.org. You may sign her online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
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