Mary Janet Hope Zuydwegt died Monday, Nov. 20, in Martin. She was 88.

Born on June 30, 1935, to Alvin and Katherine (Latzo) Hope in Kalamazoo, Mary married John Anton Zuydwegt on Feb. 20, 1954, and they had 56 years together before his death in 2010. Together they raised three sons, two daughters, and numerous foster kids in the Plainwell area.

After working at Upjohn in Kalamazoo, Mary and John retired to live in Punta Gorda, Fla., where they lived many happy years. Mary was a longtime member of the Otsego Moose Lodge. She returned to Michigan to live out her final years in the loving care of Doris Hawkey (raised as a sister, Letty and Jason Sherry).

Mary is survived by John Jr., Henry (Michelle) Zuydwegt and Peggy Sherry of Punta Gorda, Fla, and Phillip (Becky) Zuydwegt of Kewadin, grandchildren Michelle (Greg) Westendorp, Zachary, and Marisa Zuydwegt, Aaron and Adam Nichols, Josh, Heather and Terry Head, Stuart, and Alex Sherry, many great grandchildren and extended family, and special friend Louella Wagner.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband John Sr., daughter Patricia, daughter-in-law, Charlene, and grandson John William (Bill) Zuydwegt, and brothers, Alvin (Bud) and Leroy Hope.

Celebration of Life will take place in 2024 at Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell.

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