Mary Ann G. Byers

We celebrate the remarkable life of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary Ann Grammer Byers died peacefully in her 96th year on June 20, 2023, and supported by her family.

Her life was part of the story of a prominent 20th century family that shaped the history of the city of Buffalo. Her father, Nisbet Grammer founded the Eastern Grain Elevator Corporation in 1914 and was president of the company until his death. He was a well-respected businessman and nationally known figure in the grain industry. In 1915, his forward-thinking company constructed the Concrete Central Grain Elevator, and later built the Electric Elevator and the Nisbet Elevator on the Buffalo River. Her mother, Evadne M. Holloway, was the granddaughter of Chilion M. Farrar, an industrial leader in the 19th century iron works. The Holloways contributed to the architectural history and beautification of Buffalo, they were the purveyors of Medina Sand Stone.

Mary Ann attended Elmwood School, Westover School, and Cornell University, graduating with a BA in Chemistry. After graduation, she worked in Medical Research at Buffalo General Hospital. While at Cornell she met her husband, John R.B. Byers Jr. John became an Episcopal priest after graduating from Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA. Together, they served in parishes in California, Nevada, Connecticut, and upstate New York. They raised five children, and after John’s retirement, they moved to Orchard Park, NY.

Mary Ann was committed to serving her community as an American Red Cross volunteer, 4-H Club leader of the El Caballo 4-H Horse Club for 30 years and Board member of the NY State Horse Council and the East Aurora Driving Society. Horses were a true joy in her life, and she bred, showed, raced, and drove horses for competition and pleasure. She led an active life traveling, sailing, fishing, and playing tennis and bridge.

Mary Ann’s legacy is her compassion for others, strong will, and principles. She will be sorely missed by her five children and their families -- Nancy G.B. Roberts (Brian), John R.B. Byers III (Nena), Bruce N. Byers (Jeanne), Mary Ann N. Sullivan (Jeffery), Stephen F. Byers – as well as her six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

No prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held Friday July 28th at 10:30am in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 6595 E. Quaker St. Orchard Park, NY. Friends Invited. Memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo at www.hospicebuffalo.org or the American Red Cross WNY Chapter at www.redcross.org/donate .