Lynne is graciously riding the waves to heaven, carrying with her a lifetime of cherished memories, treasured friendships, and adventures on the lakes and oceans she loved.

She was a truly remarkable woman with an unmistakable sense of style, beauty, and independence. Strong, hardworking, and endlessly adventurous, Lynne lived her life with zest from sunrise to sunset. She had dreams, and she made them come true.

Lynne grew up on Guoguac Lake, where her lifelong love for the water began. She always believed that everything was better when water, sand, and sunshine were involved.

Lynne graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1957 and went on to attend Western Michigan University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1961.

Teaching was one of Lynne’s first passions. She began her career teaching 2nd grade at Starr Elementary in Plainwell before moving next door to the middle school, where she taught home economics and shared her love for art, photography, and sewing. Lynne was a favorite among her students, who appreciated her creativity and the personal connections she made with each of them. She retired from Plainwell Public Schools in 1996, ready to find her next adventure.

Above all, Lynne treasured her family. Having the luxury of her immediate family living nearby meant the world to her, and gatherings and holidays always held a special place in her heart. As a single mother, she guided Krista and Kimmy through life’s ups and downs. She wasn’t always easy on them, but they are thankful for that. Both daughters recognize so many of her characteristics in themselves, especially her deep love for family and friends.

Lynne encouraged Krista and Kimmy to be the very best they could be, although they certainly tested her patience from time to time. Always one to follow the rules, Lynne was less than thrilled when she came home one day to discover that Kimmy had purchased a motorcycle. Fit to be tied, she exclaimed, “You can’t drive a motorcycle! What were you thinking?”

Krista had her own way of testing the limits, once deciding it was perfectly acceptable to use spray paint in the garage with the doors closed. Needless to say, Lynne did not appreciate the overspray that landed on her beloved gold Lincoln Continental.

Saturdays Lynne, Krista and Kimmy shared the cleaning list while listening to Neil Diamond, Quincy Jones and Captain & Tenille.. Even if the girls had spent the night at a friend’s house, they were expected home early to get started. And there were absolutely no cartoons until the chores were finished!

As anyone who knew Lynne could attest, she was not one to sit still or simply relax. Her creativity knew no bounds, and she enjoyed working with a variety of artistic mediums. She and Krista learned to make glass lampwork beads, and Lynne spent countless hours at the torch creating beautiful pieces. She also loved refurbishing furniture and knitting, making so many blankets that several were eventually donated to the Gospel Mission.

Photography was another creative outlet Lynne loved. After taking classes at the KIA, she built a darkroom in her home so she could develop her pictures as soon as she took them. She enjoyed photographing family, nature and boats amongst many other things.

Another lifelong passion was breeding dogs. Over the years, Lynne raised Yorkies, Bearded Collies, Great Danes, Coton de Tulears, and Miniature Goldendoodles. She loved each of them dearly, which made saying goodbye especially difficult. Lynne was incredibly particular about finding just the right forever home for every puppy. Her love for dogs was rivaled only by her love for Tab and Coke Zero. In fact, she even named one of her Bearded Collies Tab!

Giving back was equally important to Lynne. She was a proud volunteer with the Red Cross, both locally and in Florida. Always eager to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed, volunteering brought her tremendous joy.

Lynne’s adventurous spirit and love for the water carried throughout her life. Over the years, she had homes on Lake Doster and Gull Lake, where she enjoyed golfing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Her boat, appropriately named “Buoy Friend,” was moored in Saugatuck, and she spent many wonderful days traveling the Great Lakes with family and friends.

Independent to her core, Lynne joined the Power Squadron to learn everything there was to know about boating so she wouldn’t have to call a “man” for help. Of course, when she did need a helping hand, she could always count on her son-in-law Andy, who is a master of all trades.

Lynne had little patience for Michigan winters and happily headed south to Sanibel Island whenever the cold weather arrived. After several years there, she made her way north to the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area. She loved opening her Florida home to family and friends and took great pride in the life she had built for herself. Giving others the opportunity to escape the snow and enjoy a little sunshine made her a favorite among those lucky enough to visit.

At her condo community in Bradenton, Lynne took charge of organizing social activities. She especially enjoyed creating flyers to place in everyone’s mailboxes, and TGIF gatherings were among her favorite events. Her dogs, however, were not fond of flying. Fortunately, her son-in-law Dan enjoyed driving long distances and always got them there safely.

A true social butterfly, Lynne made friends everywhere she went. She was fortunate to have a special group of girlfriends who remained close throughout the decades. In her later years, when she wasn’t getting out as often, these wonderful friends frequently stopped by to visit and share precious time together.

Lynne also shared an incredibly close bond with her sisters, Berta and Julie. Living within six miles of one another, they got together frequently. They even learned to play Mahjong, often trying to outwit one another in a little friendly competition.

Lynne’s grandchildren meant the world to her, and each of them played an extra special part in her life. Mackenzie, her oldest granddaughter, went to live with her during one of her winters in Florida. Time at her pool and the beach was wonderful, but their favorite thing to do together was shop and get coffee.

Lynne managed a vending company that quickly became a family affair, with stickers here, stickers there, and bouncy balls everywhere! Her grandson Jacob went to work with Kimmy every day, spending countless hours with Grandma learning everything from using the computer to “sorting the quarters!” Lynne cherished their time together and taught Jacob the importance of hard work and saving money. Years later, Jacob put those lessons to good use with a chicken coop of his own, where selling eggs proved to be quite profitable for the young fella.

As a licensed cosmetologist, Lynne’s granddaughter Natalie always made sure Grandma’s hair was cut and colored and her nails beautifully painted. Through caring for Lynne, Natalie discovered a passion for helping others, which led her to work at a local assisted living community, where her residents absolutely adore her.

Two years ago, Lynne broke her femur, leaving her in need of 24-hour care. One thing was certain: she had absolutely no intention of leaving her home, and she made that perfectly clear to everyone. She hit the lottery when her niece Stephanie and granddaughter Natalie offered to care for her.

Stephanie and Natalie enjoyed preparing fun and delicious meals for Lynne. Getting her to drink water, however, was another challenge entirely! Since Lynne thought drinking water was rather silly, they spent many hours slicing watermelon to help keep her hydrated.

It was an enormous commitment, but the two of them accepted the challenge, allowing Lynne to remain in the comfort of her own home. She could continue sitting in her sunroom, enjoying her fountain and the wildlife outside her windows. Her beloved dogs, Hattie and Izzy, were always by her side. And true to form, hardly a day went by without Lynne asking, “I wonder how the market is doing?”

Even near the end of her life, Lynne’s beautiful blue eyes lit up as she welcomed and recognized the people she loved, a gift her family will always treasure. Her wonderful humor and quick wit never faded. She continued teasing Kimmy about her crazy thrifted outfits and reminding Krista that she would always be her problem-solving daughter.

One of Lynne’s favorite sayings was, “I lived a good life!” And that she certainly did.

Lynne Ellen Wirt (Jones) passed away on March 28, 2026. She leaves behind her daughters, Krista Higgason (Dan Higgason) and Kimberly Brylowski (Andy Brylowski); her grandchildren, Mackenzie Hinga, Jacob Brylowski, and Natalie Brylowski; her loving sister, Julie Gorsalitz (Steve Gorsalitz); her nieces, Amy Brown (John Brown) and Stephanie Gorsalitz; her nephew, Todd Toussaint; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Barbara Jones; her sister, Berta Jones; and her nephew, Mark Toussaint.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Lynne’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Wirt family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.