Marian Ryder

Marian Ryder, our beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend was born on September 21, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY at Bellevue Hospital and passed away on February 24, 2025, in Holland MI at Holland Hospital. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and creativity.

Marian was preceded in death by: her father, Angelo Rivera; her stepmother, Charlene Rivera; her mother, Lydia Martino Rivera; her brother, Angelo Rivera; her sister-in-law, Debbie Rivera; her son, Aritie Seijo; and her daughters, Sharon Seijo and Marian Seijo McIllwayne.

Marian is survived by: her brothers John Rivera, Gary Rivera, David Rivera and sister Sherry Rivera-Gofe; as well as her daughter, Audrey Taber and son in-law Gregg Taber II; her son Richie Seijo and daughter in-law Melissa VanderBie; her son Jeremiah Ryder and daughter in-law Meaw Cox; as well as three stepchildren, Robyn Ryder, Todd Ryder, and Brian Ryder. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, Joseph and Brandy, Princess, Shaina, Jacob, Jenna, Joshua, Justin, Vada, Arhianna, Jayden, Lilly, Ashley, Whitney and Wesley; as well as 6 great-grandchildren.

Marian dedicated her life to being a loving mother and homemaker, she was a caregiver and child care provider to nearly all her grandchildren. Her passion for caregiving extended to her career in adult foster care. Marian lived her life fully and with great passion, compassion, and love. She was a talented artist who loved to paint, write poetry, build things and most of all garden with a home full of plants and a beautiful and magical garden in her backyard.

Mom loved music and to dance and took every opportunity to make us all get up and dance with her. Her song to us children was "I Hope You Dance," a reminder that love is truly all that matters. Marian taught us to take care of each other and anyone who is suffering and in need. She led by example and helped, lifted, and supported countless lives throughout her journey.

Though she stood only 4'11", her spirit was mighty. Marian leaves us with a gaping hole that will not be filled, but we find comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her children and is in the hands of God now.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to celebrate her life and honor her memory.

Marian leaves this earth with little material possessions, as she spent a lifetime giving nearly all of what she had to help her loved ones and people in need around her. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lakeshore Memorial Services to help the family cover end of life expenses.