Elizabeth L. Leyndyke

Elizabeth “Betty” Lorraine Corcoran Leyndyke, age 93, died after a brief stay at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods, Byron Center, MI on September 28, 2021.

Betty was born to Bertrand Francis Corcoran and Leona Adelia (Dollaway) Corcoran, on July 20, 1928 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Betty grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Marywood Academy in 1946. She attended Mary Manse College, Toledo, Ohio. It was in Toledo that she met her future husband, James “Jim” Marvin Leyndyke. Betty’s roommate, Mary Lou, was a friend of Jim’s and set him and Betty up on a blind date. Jim and Betty were married on June 24, 1950 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Grand Rapids, MI. 

Betty retired from Forest Hills Public School District in Grand Rapids, MI. She worked in the library at Orchard View Elementary School. After retirement Jim and Betty lived in Hernando, Florida, Stanwood, Michigan, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Betty is survived by her husband of 71 years, James M. Leyndyke; twins Kirk (Brenda) Leyndyke, Battle Creek, MI., and Karen (Curtis) Thon, Prescott Valley, AZ, son James A. (Ann) Leyndyke, Traverse City, MI, and daughter Joanne (Michael) Werkema, Rockford, MI. Grandchildren Melissa (Kevin) Kurth, Stephen (Winter) Werkema, Amy Thon, Jamie (David) Luther, Kirsten (Chase) Agnello-Dean, Paul Werkema, Trevor Thon, Matthew (Jenna) Leyndyke, and Travis (Alayna) Leyndyke and nine great grandchildren. Betty is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and brother-in-laws; Helen (Jack) Nelson, Nancy (Chester) Sypien, and brothers and sister-in-laws Richard (Margaret) Corcoran and John (Anne Marie) Corcoran. 

Betty will be remembered for her kindness and grace. She had a quiet, but strong personality and was very loyal to her family. She was a funny, sassy, loving, unselfish, thoughtful, sweet, and supportive woman who received immense joy in seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren during treasured visits. She always had a treat to share with them for their ride home, whether it be pretzels, candy, or a drink. She was an avid knitter and crocheter making slippers for her grandchildren before severe arthritis affected her hands. She made blankets for doll beds and kept the family stocked with crocheted dish rags.

Betty will be missed by many, but the family is thankful she is without pain. She will be cremated with her ashes interred in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI at a later date. No services are planned at this time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth L. Leyndyke, please visit our floral store.