Miriam Ellen (Srodes) Doyle died October 19, 2023 at the age of 99 while at Orchard Creek Skilled Nursing Facility in Traverse City, Michigan. She had battled congestive heart failure for some time before contracting COVID, which proved too much to overcome.
Miriam was born August 15, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio to Malcolm and Irene Srodes. She was preceded in death by her parents, younger brother, Paul, and Robert Doyle, her husband of 67 years.
She attended Whitmer High School in Toledo before marrying Robert in 1941, then moved to Grand Lake, Michigan. When Robert joined the Navy in WWII, Miriam became a "Rosie the Riveter", which was a great source of pride for her in later years. She was the steadying influence for the family when Robert joined the Michigan State Police and was stationed all around the state at subsequent assignments. The children remember coming back from their first day at each new school, to find the house had been transformed into their home.
Miriam loved to sing and even as a child was asked to perform. She joined the church choir at every new Post assignment. She was an artful quilter, but became known as The Teddy Bear Lady when she created her Heirloom Designs. Over 300 stuffed bears are coveted by customers around the states and as far away as Europe.
Miriam is survived by her daughter, Norlee (Don) Hudson, of Charlotte, Michigan, and son, Michael (Elizabeth) Doyle of Temperance, Michigan. She leaves four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, as well as special friends, Becky (her long time advocate), Tafra, Jana, and Lisa. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.