Wilfriede M. "Vivian" Baird's Obituary
Wilfriede M. “Vivian” Baird, age 83, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Friday, May 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family overlooking the serenities of their lake water views. She was born on August 25, 1940, to Herrmann and Karoline (Köster) Cassau in Verden an der Aller, Germany. At the early age of 14, she made her way to the states with her family and has called Michigan home since 1954. On June 10, 1961, she married the love of her life Rodney Baird Jr. at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church. Together they cherished nearly 63 years full of love, laughter and endless adventures. Vivian was a dedicated employee of Applause catering, where she worked for 30 plus years and instilled the hard work ethics passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Muskegon Elks and Mona Lake Boat Club. Vivian truly enjoyed being near the water. She longed for evening nights on the deck overlooking the water at their lakefront home and taking the boat out in the summertime with Rodney and their family. She had a passion for traveling, camping, cooking and seeking new adventures. Vivian was also a passionate dog owner, as seen by their “Mandy” preciously nudging under her hands after her passing. Vivian was gifted with a green thumb and maintained a lavish flower garden that surrounded their beautiful home. She was a gifted cook, as well, willing and able to feed any and all while sending the lucky recipients on their way with an abundance of leftovers. A passion she will be most remembered for is her assortment of knickknacks she collected over the years. Her collection could be found amongst every nook and cranny imaginable. Above all, she loved spending time with her family whom she loved dearly, especially with her grandkids and great-grandchildren. The love and memories shared with her supportive family will forever be cherished by so many. She is survived by her loving husband, Rodney Baird; two sons, Todd (Tammy) Baird and Kurt Baird; three grandchildren, Tracy (Brian) Stark, Holly (Dave) Hastings and Halie Baird; four step-grandchildren, Adam Rebone, Tyler (Taylor) Rebone, Bryant (Kelli) Rebone and Jackson Rebone; five great-grandchildren, Eloise, Reagan, Joanna, Hunter and Cooper; four step-great-grandchildren, Brewer, Cecila, Harper and Nash; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ernst (Gail) Cassau; sister, Gertrude (Siegfreid) Werner; and step-brother, Steve (Theresa) Sugin. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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