Gabrielle Rene Dyke

So much could be said about a person like Gabby Dyke who had an immense pleasure of always looking on the bright side of life. She lived her life with great joy found from deep within. Never one to conform to the pressures of society, Gabby lived her life to the fullest. A generous person who sincerely loved all people, Gabby leaves behind a rich collection of special memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. The year 1996 brought about many technological changes. The world of home movie viewing grew with the start of DVDs and the number of internet users expanded to more than ten million. In addition, the informational age was changing the way the world sold products through eBay. Born on January 5th in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Tom and Kellie (Brown) Dyke, Gabrielle was welcomed home by her older sister, Brittany. Her birth brought great joy and happiness into the family home. Growing up in Plainwell, Gabby lived a typical childhood. Both parents worked outside the home in sales ensuring that she and her sister never went without. They were exceptionally close to one another and loved their family traditions. Bonding at Elton John concerts as well as cruises to destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and countless trips up north to their grandparent's home, their love for one another was unshakeable. Born without a sense of fear, Gabby was known to take risks on any adventure they had together. Her spontaneous ideas were usually conjured up without any thought other than having fun in mind. These trips were credited for their close-knit family as well as the special relationship she had for her big sista, Brittany. Equipped with an easy-going personality she was a natural draw for others in marching band in high school. She made every practice, game, or competition fun with her usual antics and side jokes. Gabby had a special fondness for making everyone feel comfortable and valued over these developing years. Graduating with the Class of 2014 from Plainwell High School, Gabby set her sights on her dream of becoming a chef. The Culinary institute of Michigan in Muskegon, Michigan was lucky to have her during her year long study there. Afterward, Zazios, in downtown Kalamazoo hired her in their kitchen where she picked up all kinds of new and innovative methods in the cooking realm. Most recently, Gabby was a special part of the 600 Kitchen team as their Sous Chef, a goal that she had held for many years. Well liked by her co-workers as well as her employers, she will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched during her time there. Taken from a tragic car accident much too soon, there is no doubt that in her short time she left a lasting impression. A free spirit, Gabby was indeed her own person. Her love of giraffes was even a bit of a mystery. She was so drawn to them that she had a tattoo of a giraffe that spelled out, "stand tall." Coloring her hair became a favorite pastime. She went from purple to red and then back again. She often met her hairstyles with the same passion she appreciated for food. With a rich flavor and a colorful palette, the possibilities were endless! Everyone that knew her knew she loved to dance! Not one to shy away from the dance floor, Gabby could be seen moving to her favorite bands at local venues, yet Spirit Animal, a group from Brooklyn was her favorite. Over the past few years, she became quite a groupie of theirs following all of their new releases and even traveling out of state to see them perform live. As much as she appreciated people and music, Gabby also loved animals especially her two cats, Oscar and Yonce, named after the famous singer, Beyonce. Gabby will forever be known for her authentic way of being and her loyalty for any friend in need. May her loved ones find comfort in the wealth of her special memories and may she rest in peace forevermore. Gabrielle Dyke, age 23, of Plainwell, Michigan passed away on April 27, 2019. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Friday, May 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home Marshall & Gren Chapel; 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Gabby's family includes her parents; Tom and Kellie; her sister: Brittany (Tim Towne); grandparents: Joe & Sue Dyke, June Brown and Len Brown; her aunts and uncles: Tammy (Ryan Tozer) Brown, Marcia (Steve) Curtiss, Matt (Missy) Dyke; five cousins: Kaelin Hardenburgh, Ethan Hardenburgh, Mason Dyke, Morgan Dyke, Miller Dyke as well as several extended family. Gabby was preceded in death by her older sister Stephanie Dyke and her grandparent's Ru and Art Hodges. Gabby's passion was cooking, and she loved giraffes.She had a love for life that was contagious. If you can't make the service, a gathering will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 600 Kitchen; 600 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. Memorial donations can be made to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.