Virginia Mary Sykes

Virginia Mary Sykes of Gaylord, MI passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Porter Hills Village in Grand Rapids at the age of 91. She was the daughter of Arthur Frederic Marr and Rosaline (Burmaster) Marr, born June 24, 1929 in Saginaw, MI. but moved to Springport after her marriage and spent the majority of her life there. Virginia is survived by three daughters, Kathi (Peter) Kremo, Sharon (Richard) Maddux, and Julie (Kevin) Courtney; six grandchildren, Christian Kremo, Tiffany (Sean) Brumbaugh, Brett (Kendra Craft) Sykes, Eamonn Courtney, Erin Courtney, and Ellen Courtney; three great-grandchildren, Connor Thurber, Annabelle Brumbaugh, and Lucas Brumbaugh; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Sykes; grandson, Kevin Courtney; her parents; and siblings, Art, Bill, Herb, and Lynn Marr. Virginia was a member of the Arthur Hill High School Class of 1948.

Virginia started her working life as an usher at a movie theatre in Saginaw.  She had numerous jobs including working as a school cook, bus driver, supervisor at a juvenile home and lastly a partner in M&M Excavating.  She claimed that the reason she was so active later in life is because she always worked hard.  Virginia was a member of the Eastern Star and Elks. She enjoyed hunting, golfing, bowling, playing bridge and bingo, and watching her Detroit Red Wings hockey.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Watson Parma Chapel, 10661 W. Michigan Ave. Parma, MI. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 1:00pm with Michael D. Mason officiating. She will be laid to rest at Campbell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Kevin Fund at Mecosta Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1012C, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.  Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, a limit of 25 people at a time and all must wear a mask indoors.  The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until the time of service.

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