Mary (“Beep”, “Mare Bear”) Byerrum Boss, beloved daughter of Richard and Claire Byerrum, beloved mother of Tony Boss, Katy Buchta and Peter Boss, passed away November 10, 2018 after a sudden illness. Mary was born in Lansing, and was raised and resided in East Lansing. After graduating from East Lansing High School, she attended Indiana University and Michigan State University, where she received her BA in History. She also attained an Associate’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Lansing Community College. She worked in the hospitality industry and raised three wonderful children.
Mary’s love of life shone through her in so many ways. Everywhere she went, she instantly had friends. She was a marvelous story teller, with a relentless sense of humor. She was kind, funny and compassionate. She loved language, food, plants, being outdoors and going to events on campus. Mary loved her family profoundly and was a generous and attentive mother, sister, daughter and grandmother.
Mary continued her love for music for her whole life, singing in the Lansing Lyric Opera and more recently, the MSU Choral Union. She was a wonderful piano player, and would accompany many sing- alongs during parties and the holidays.
Mary is preceeded in death by her brother, Bob, and her father, Richard. She is survived by her mother, Claire, her two sisters, Beth and Carey, her ex-husband Bill, her children Tony, Peter (Rachel) and Katy (Peter), her grandchildren Joey, Ella, Caleb and Eva as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Visitation with the family will be from 4:00-6:30 pm on Friday, November 16 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in East Lansing, and the service will be at 10:00 am Saturday, November 17, also at Gorsline Runciman in East Lansing with reception and celebration of her life at the University Club, immediately following. The family invites you to wear colorful clothing in celebration of Mary’s colorful life and personality.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Richard and Claire Byerrum Endowment in Biochemistry at Michigan State University Advancement, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48824 or online at https://natsci.msu.edu/about/giving/ or blood or platelet donations to the American Red Cross.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.greastlansing.com
