Maxine Snyder

Maxine Gayle Snyder (TenHarmsel) was born May 6,1952, in Zeeland, Michigan to Arnold and Leona (Ter Haar) TenHarmsel. She died December 10, 2021, at the age of 69. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Doug; children Lauren (Jim) and Bryan (Becky); and many loyal friends.

Nine years ago, she bravely accepted a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. She was determined to live her life as fully as possible and not let the diagnosis dampen her joyous spirit and love of life. She spent the majority of the last nine years thoroughly enjoying her retirement. She never lost her zest for life nor ceased to find joy in every day. Her remarkably positive spirit stayed with her through the entire journey. She loved to laugh and loved her friends and family. She found beauty in life no matter what it presented to her. People responded to her outgoing personality and she brought a sense of fun to any occasion. She had a keen interest in others and a natural gift for making friends. Her radiant smile drew people into her life and many became lifelong friends. After meeting someone for the first time, she often proclaimed, “You are my new best friend!” While said jokingly, it typified how eagerly she connected with people.

Maxine loved her birthday and celebrated it long after it had passed. She often joked that she didn’t celebrate a birthday, but a birth month. She was famous for singing birthday wishes via telephone. She had a list of over a hundred people who could depend on a phone call on the morning of their birthday with a special birthday song from Maxine. She soon learned that when people did not answer the call, it was because they wanted the song recorded on their voicemail to enjoy more than once. That, of course, meant on the morning of her birthday the phone never stopped ringing with return birthday wishes. The world has lost a radiant source of happiness but it has not lost the many happy memories she created with her beloved family and friends.

Maxine graduated from Holland Christian High School. She continued her education with a bachelors degree in vocal music and teaching from Calvin College and a masters degree in guidance and counseling from Western Michigan University. Her passion for helping children succeed was realized through her 34 year career as a teacher at Kentwood Public Schools. She taught music for many years before moving to a fifth grade classroom. She also spent a number of years as an elementary counselor at Kentwood before finishing her career as a second grade teacher.

Maxine loved to travel. It didn’t matter where she went as long as she was “gone” with her family or friends. That’s not to say she didn’t love her time at home. She cherished the many traditions she formed with her family. Christmas was her favorite holiday and decorating for the season was a passion. Her children, Bryan and Lauren, were her life’s most important work and she gave her all to see them become the loving and caring adults they are today. She was their biggest supporter whether it was on the basketball court, in the swimming pool, or in any of their many pursuits. When Maxine was at home, she was rarely alone as she loved to entertain and surround herself with friends. She was the ultimate extrovert.

Maxine and her husband were avid boaters. Many happy summers were spent on Lake Michigan with extended cruises into the northern waters of Michigan and Canada. Maxine’s favorite stop was Mackinac Island where the family created many happy memories. Once retired, she and Doug spent several winters in Florida before venturing farther south to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they enjoyed the warm weather and welcoming atmosphere while making new friends.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the outstanding caregivers at Cherrywood Manor at the American House community in Jenison. Their dedication to Maxine helped her through her final months and comforted her family.

A funeral service and celebration of Maxine’s life is planned for what would have been her 70th birthday, May 6, 2022. Visitation with relatives and friends will be from 1-2 p.m. with service immediately following at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to: The Children’s Ministry Fund - First United Methodist Church, 227 E. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.