Sydney Mae (Darling) McVoy

Sydney Mae (Darling) McVoy, age 91, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on December 16, 2024. Born on August 25, 1933, she was the daughter of Josephine (Cusick) Grady Darling and Sidney Darling. Sydney and her five siblings, raised in Grand Rapids, were proud graduates of Catholic Central High School.

Sydney lived a life of warmth, love, and adventure, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her story began in Grand Rapids, where as a young girl, she met a charming older boy at the local ice-skating pond. Years later, that boy—Robert M. McVoy, named Grand Rapids’ Bachelor of the Year—invited her on a date, sparking a romance that blossomed into 54 years of happy marriage.

Sydney and Robert were deeply engaged in their community, serving as social chairs of the Grand Rapids Athletic Club and active participants in the Belknap Lookout Community Garden. Their home was a hub of warmth and kindness, where neighbors became friends, and friends became family.

An outdoor enthusiast, Sydney reveled in skiing, camping, boating, and most of all, her cherished time at the beach. Her love for the outdoors was contagious, a legacy she lovingly passed down to her children, grandchildren, and the generations yet to come. Some of her fondest memories were summers spent along the shores of Lake Michigan, surrounded by her family, friends, and the beauty of nature.

Affectionately known as Gran-Gran or Granny in her later years, Sydney will always be remembered for her profound wisdom, radiant smile, unyielding resilience, and sharp wit. Many treasured moments were spent with her over a cup of coffee or a perfectly mixed martini, as she shared her unique perspective on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. She had a gift for making anyone in her presence feel special and valued.

Even in her final year, under the compassionate care of Emmanuel Hospice, Sydney’s grace and charm left a lasting impression. Her care team spoke often of the meaningful connection they formed with her, a testament to her extraordinary ability to forge deep bonds wherever she went.

Sydney McVoy’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to share in her remarkable journey.

Sydney is survived by her children, Michelle McVoy-Kettlewell, Kevin (Debra) McVoy, James McVoy, Tim (Kris) Olson, and Dan (Susan) Gliniecki; her grandchildren and their spouses, Angelle (Jarod Stuyvesant) Kettlewell, James (Lizzie) Kettlewell, and Connor McVoy; and her brother, David (Joyce) Darling; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Milton McVoy, her son, Robert Pierre McVoy, her grandson, West McVoy, and siblings and their spouses, Stafford R. (Roberta Patterson) Grady, Mary Jane Grady, Patricia (Gerard T.) Grady O’Brien, James G. (Georgia) Grady, and Therese (Ted) Grady A’Hearn.

A celebration of Sydney’s life will be held in Michigan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Sydney requested that gifts be made in her memory to St. Alphonsus Parish.

Checks can be made payable to St. Alphonsus Parish and mailed to:
St. Alphonsus Parish
224 Carrier Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Alternatively, donations may be made online. Please indicate in the “Other” field that your gift is made “in memory of Sydney McVoy.”
Visit: https://tinyurl.com/StAlphonsus4Sydney