Belinda Rae Szyszka

Belinda Rae Szyszka, age 76, passed peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease. Born on Saturday, May 27, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, Belinda was the daughter of Betty Catherine and Henry I. Szyszka. She grew up in Taylor, Michigan, before moving with her family to the farm that would remain a cherished part of her life. She graduated from Webberville High School in 1968.

Belinda lived a life defined by faith, generosity, and service to others. Whether caring for her family, helping a friend in need, volunteering at church, or opening her home to animals in search of a second chance, she found joy in giving of herself. She had a remarkable ability to make life easier for those around her and was always willing to lend a helping hand, regardless of her own circumstances.

Family was the center of Belinda's world. She was deeply proud of her daughters and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren. They will remember sleepovers filled with crafts, baking projects, movies, laughter, and the unconditional love that only a grandmother can provide. Known affectionately as "Grandma Click," she documented countless family memories through photographs, preserving moments that her loved ones will cherish for generations.

Belinda enjoyed gardening, baking, crafting, researching family genealogy, and creating festive holiday desserts that brought family and friends together. She loved trying new recipes and sharing the results with those she loved. Her warmth, positivity, and caring nature made everyone feel welcome around her table.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She attended Parker Memorial Baptist Church and Heritage Baptist Church and volunteered in the church printing ministry. Her quiet acts of service reflected the values she held dear and the compassion she showed to everyone she met.

In retirement, Belinda continued to find meaningful ways to serve others. She enjoyed her work at Sweetie-licious Bakery and volunteered with New Hope Pet Rescue, where she fostered fourteen dogs between 2019 and 2023. She found great purpose in helping vulnerable animals find loving homes, a reflection of the kindness that defined her life.

She is survived by her daughters, Heather (Chris) Trudeau of DeWitt, Rachel (Kris) Jones of DeWitt, Holly Dwyer of Grand Ledge, and Jonnie Weaver of Jackson; her beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Carter Trudeau, Julia (Myles) and Chloe Jones, Lexis (John) Powell, Logan (Samantha) Ewing, Emma Beach, Riley Dwyer, Lawrence (Morgan) Adams, Caleb (Moriah) Weaver, and Amelia Weaver; her great-grandchildren, Addison and Oliver Powell; her siblings, John (Lorri) Szyszka, Cynthia Debarr, and Gregory Szyszka; and many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty Catherine and Henry I. Szyszka, and her siblings John Henry, Henry "Butch," Thomas, Michael, Shirley, and Jeffrey.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers of Optimal Care Hospice, Divine Life Memory Care staff, and the Tri-County Office on Aging for their compassion and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Pet Rescue in Belinda's memory. Donations may be mailed to 815 N. Sheldon Street, Charlotte, MI 48813, or online at https://www.newhopepetrescue.com/donate, click the link to donate via PayPal. Please indicate Belinda's name with your donation.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23