Mary Marlene Hoornstra, 76, of Coldwater, MI passed away peacefully Friday, August 14, 2026 at Beacon Kalamazoo Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place with a celebration of her life to be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.
Mary was born July 6, 1950 in Coldwater, MI, to Henry and Betty (Gibbons) Dixon. October 15, 1971, she married Dean Hoornstra, who preceded her in death November 24, 2003.
Mary dedicated many years of her life to serving others through her work as a store manager with IGA Foods, where she diligently served until her retirement. Her caring nature extended well beyond her career, as she generously gave her time to the local food pantry. She was also a member of the Bronson American Legion and the First Congregational Church in Bronson, where she was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Anyone who knew Mary knew that she had a special gift for bringing people together around a good meal. She loved to cook for her family and friends and was always happy to share her culinary talents at church events and during Bronson’s Polish Festival Days. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including watching and feeding the birds, weekly lunch dates with her friends, and trips to the casino.
But above all else, Mary was devoted to her family. Her greatest joy came from the people she loved, and she took particular delight in spoiling her grandchildren. She was thoughtful, sincere, and generous-hearted, always among the first to notice when someone she loved was in need and ready to provide whatever she could. Her love was not simply spoken, it was shown through countless meals prepared, favors given, thoughtful gestures, and the many ways she made sure her family knew they were cared for.
Mary will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind, along with the many memories created around her table and in the company of those she loved most.
Mary leaves behind her children Vicki Hyde of Boyne City, MI, Timothy (Christine) Hoornstra of Alto, MI, Jeffrey (Olivia) Hoornstra of Elko, GA; her siblings Brad Dixon of Hillsdale, MI, Stella Dixon of Florence, KY, Patsy (John) Siler of Bronson, MI, Kelly Trautmann of Houston, TX, Brian Dixon, Alan Dixon both of Coldwater, MI, Connie Wells of Bryan, OH; her grandchildren Ashley Sirard, Taylor Sirard, Joshua Hoornstra, Alyssa Hoornstra, Isabella Hoornstra, Alexis Hoornstra and her many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Dean Hoornstra, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Rudy Dixon.
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