Maryjane R. Kirby

Maryjane Rose (Zynewicz) Kirby passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023, at home in her sleep.

Maryjane was born January 2, 1943, to Stanley and Corrine (Szczepaniak) Zynewicz in Grand Rapids, MI. She grew up on a farm in Boyne City, MI with her parents and her brother David, graduating from Boyne City High School in 1961.

Maryjane married John Kirby in 1961 after he returned from serving in the army.  They had three children: Tim, Kelly, and Stan. 

Together they started ABC Music with locations in Petoskey, Gaylord, and Cheboygan, spreading the joy of music (playing and teaching) for over 15 years. 

Maryjane and John also started a polka band called The Red Hearts and played for weddings and events.  Eventually this grew to the point where they were playing out every weekend for over 25 years.  In all of that time they only had 5 Saturdays off.

In the late 80’s John and Maryjane moved and built a home in Boyne Falls.  They attended St. Augustine's Catholic Church and MaryJane became the choir director and organist for the church.  MaryJane served as the choir director for over 23 years.

In 1994 Maryjane and John started another music store in Gaylord called The Musik Haus.  Maryjane taught music lessons, trained other teachers, and sold musical instruments. Over the years she shared her knowledge with generations of people.

If anyone knew the Kirby house, they knew the love of gardening.  The yard (garden) was always amazing and full of flowers, vegetables, and fruit.  Maryjane and John loved to take their grandchildren Emma and David in the garden to harvest all of the things that were ready.  There were always mini lessons going on as they enjoyed the time together.

Maryjane is survived by her loving husband, John; children, Tim, Kelly, and Stan (Tricia); along with grandchildren Emma and David Kirby. 

Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, June 26, 2023 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at St. Augustine Church in Boyne Falls where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery.

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