Brenda Lee Hyland

Brenda Lee Hyland

GARDEN — With her loving family by her side, Brenda Lee Hyland, 75, of Garden, passed away December 30, 2024, at Bishop Noa Hospice Care in Escanaba, Michigan. She was born on October 11, 1949, to her parents, Eugene and Harriet Hyland. Brenda grew up on Hyland Road in Manistique which she spoke fondly of, often sharing stories of her childhood.

In 1972 she and her children moved to Isabella where she became a homemaker. Brenda discovered her love of cooking, especially baking. She loved making desserts and was a tremendous cake baker of all types; she was known for her stunning wedding cakes. She was, as they say, as sweet as the sweets she made.

Brenda began her cooking career working at Mac’s bar which led her and two generations of her family on the path of working together. Not too long afterwards, she moved her family to the Garden Peninsula to continue raising her children and to look for a new place to work closer to home. She found just that at Rosie’s and then the Garden House. Brenda had earned herself a wonderful reputation for being a very lovely, kind woman who was also a great cook.

In 1997, Sidetracks Restaurant opened their doors where three generations of Brenda’s family came together to create a family business. It became a popular eatery for many. After the loss of Sidetracks four generations merged together and worked at two separate restaurants. Brenda continued to make the most wonderful desserts much to the delight of their customers! Additionally, with her endless energy, Brenda worked for nine years at the Garden Post Office building everlasting friendships. A new generational story begins with her son, Richard working at the Garden Post Office.

To know her was to love her. She was known as mom, grandma, and auntie to not only her own, but to extended family and friends. She was known as the fun mom. Spending time camping at Lyman and Mowe Lakes with family and friends was a favorite pastime, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Brenda is survived by her children, Jim (Cindi) Nelson of Gulliver, Mich.; Mona Nelson of Cooks, Mich.; Becky Pilon, and Richard Pilon both of Garden, Mich.; her grandchildren, whom she adored, always referred to them as her heartstrings, Kayla, Shianne, Bruce, Andrew, and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Collin, Dillan, Carson, Zoey, Addyson, Shaelynn, Labella, Svennin, and Ares and many nieces and nephews. Further, siblings, Robin (Diane) Hyland; Ken (Cindy) Hyland; Marylou Schnarrs; and Carol Devine. Not to be forgotten, her dog, Bandit.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Harriet; granddaughter Brandi Lee Highlund; niece, Mallory DeMars; brother-in-law, Bill Schnarrs; and beloved dog, Captain York of Vans Harbor.

Brenda was quite simply the best and we were so blessed she was ours. She led by example – no matter what life threw her way, she got up and showed up. Her work ethic was bar none. Her legacy will carry on.

Donations in her memory can be directed to the family for future designation.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Inwood Township Hall.

Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with the arrangements.