Mary M. Rivera's Obituary
Mary M. Rivera, age 75, met her Lord and Savior Thursday evening, August 19, 2021, at home surrounded by family. She was born on May 25, 1946 to Gerrit and Wilhelmina (Boyink) Byl in Grand Haven, MI. She was a faithful servant of her Lord and trusted and depended on Him in all aspects of her life. Mary dedicated her life to being a proud mother, loving grandmother and wonderful great-grandmother. She was an avid fisher and was known as being the infamous “Pike Slayer”. She had a passion for playing card games and was the master of Phase 10 and Kings in the Corner. Mary had a love for cooking and was also well known in the West Michigan area for her homemade tacos and sticky buns, which her doctors and nurses were spoiled with. She had a knack for writing cards and also enjoyed exploring and traveling new places. Mary was the type of woman that would light up the room and her personality was one to be remembered always. She was generous and selfless by nature and had the ability to always see life through a positive lens. Mary had a radiating, vivacious and playful personality that was balanced with the right amount of stubbornness. She was a tender-loving and faithful spirit who truly touched the lives of many. She is survived by her seven children, Kimberly Warmuskerken, Dante Rivera, Brandi Rivera, Kelly (Mike) Mumper, Joshua Rivera, Jeremiah (Melissa) Rivera and Jamie (Brian) Sheppard; 11 grandchildren, Travis (Alicia) Rivera, Samantha Rivera, Michael Mumper II, Tristen (Kenna) Mumper, Zoe Rose Rivera, Brayden Mumper, Taylor Rivera, Ethan Rivera, Grant Rivera, Luke Rivera and Landon Rivera; 2 great-grandchildren, Gunner Rivera and Mia Rivera; 2 sisters, Karen (Hank) Murillo and Wendy (Glenn) Schlukebir; best friend, Sue Daczka; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Byl; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Mumper. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple, Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. You may visit the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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