Mary Helen Mcdaid

Mary Helen McDaid, age 90, of rural Ithaca, died Friday, January 23, 2015, at Ashley Care Center.

Mary Helen was born May 15, 1924, in Owosso, the daughter of Harold and Eloise (Reeb) Thayer. She graduated from Owosso High School .  She married Murl McDaid on August 28, 1947, and together they raised six children on the family farm.

Mary Helen was famous for her baked goods (bread, pies, cinnamon rolls) and her goulash and baked beans.  She spent a lot of summer days in her garden, and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Mary Helen is survived by her children, Gary (Marty) McDaid of Ithaca, Jim (Marcia) McDaid of Sumner, Kathy Densmore of Ithaca, and Larry (Mary Jo) McDaid of PawPaw; 14 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; her brother, Wally (Marie) Thayer of Desert Hot Springs, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Murl, in 2009; her sons, John McDaid and Tom McDaid; her grandson, Michael McDaid; her sister, Sue Jones; and her parents.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday. January 30, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Mona Dye officiating.  Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 29.  Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot County Commission on Aging - Meals on Wheels, or to the Ithaca Thompson Home Library.