Susan Hayward Sayre

TRAVERSE CITY — Susan Sayre, 95, passed away on Nov. 21, 2011. Born on Oct. 23, 1916, she was the third of four children of Ernestine Marie (Era Gliem) and Roy G. Hayward, D.D.S. Raised in Detroit, she attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University, graduating in 1938 with a degree in education. She taught elementary school science from 1938 to 1942. While at Wayne State, she met and fell in love with George S. Sayre, a medical student. They married on Dec. 21, 1940. After George returned from the Navy Medical Corps in 1946, they settled in Ypsilanti, where they raised their four children.In 1962, Susan threw her hat into the political arena and won a seat on the Ypsilanti City Council, where she served until 1968, and was the first woman Mayor of Ypsilanti from 1966 to 1967. During her tenure, she championed the building of a new Beyer Memorial Hospital, the Greek Theatre opened and the library was moved to larger space. She also served on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners from 1970 to 1972.While in Ypsilanti, Susan was a lifetime member of the Ladies Literary Club, Friends of the District Library, a Friends in Deed volunteer, and a tutor for elementary school children. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, the League of Women Voters, and the Beyer Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She served as a Girl Scout leader for both of her daughters' troops for 15 years and was a member of the Huron Valley Girl Scout Council board. Susan also led her sons' Cub Scout troops. She received several awards, among them the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce's Community Service Award, the Headliner of the Year Award from the Women of Wayne State University and Outstanding Ypsilanti Woman of the Year.In 2001 Susan moved to Traverse City to be closer to her daughter. She became active in the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City and volunteered as an elementary school tutor, as well as at the Traverse Health Clinic. She was a 60-year member of P.E.O., for 50 years in Chapter DL (Ypsilanti) and for 10 years in Chapter EH (Traverse City).Susan is survived by her children, Frank (Laura Mallery), Jane (Craig) Kirby, George (Jeanine Baker) and Elizabeth (Howard King) Sayre-King. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Laura Sayre Dunworth, Jeff Kirby, Jennifer Kirby Burdo and Corinne Kirby; as well as three great-grandchildren, Jack and Shane Dunworth and Alissa Kirby. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, George S. Sayre, M.D.; and her grandson, Daniel Robert Sayre.Susan's strong faith was an inspiration. She was kind, gentle and thoughtful, and was loved by so many people. The fact that she moved to a new city at the age of 84, became active and involved, and developed close relationships with so many in 10 short years is a testament to this. She will be greatly missed.The family wishes to thank the staff of The Village at Bay Ridge and Bay Ridge Assisted Living for the outstanding and compassionate care they provided to our Mom over the last five years. Many sincere thanks also is extended to Judith Yates, M.D., as well as the staff of Integrity Home Health and Hospice of Michigan, who were so critical to Mom's care in her final days.Visitation for Susan will be held on Dec. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, 701 Westminster, Traverse City, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Becky Chamberlain officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, The Traverse Health Clinic, Hospice of Michigan, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra or the Ypsilanti District Library. Envelopes will be available through the funeral home or addresses of the charities will be available at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Please share your memories of Susan with her family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.

Susan Hayward Sayre

November 21, 2011