Josephine Snook

Josephine Snook witnessed drastic changes in the world during her lifetime, observing the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression, World War II and the Cold War, Equal Rights and Civil Rights. She viewed it all with an eye toward things of eternal importance. A remembrance of her life reveals a pattern of sacrifice and service, and she received her greatest pleasures from giving to others.

Josephine was born into a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty. After the strain of World War I, the decade of the 1920s was a period of economic prosperity and expressions of relief and success. Born in Grand Rapids on July 26, 1923, Josephine was the only daughter born to Glen and Marie Askins. Josephine's five brothers undoubtedly made life interesting for her around their bustling household. Josephine attended Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids and graduated with the class of 1941, the same year the United States entered World War II.

Josephine felt called to become a nun after graduating. Her name while serving as a Dominican Sister was Sister Corinne. She graduated from Aquinas College, an accomplishment she was very proud of. She remained in service as a nun until her parents were in need of consistent care.

Josephine's life took an unexpected turn when she consented to go on a blind date with a man named Edward Snook. The two of them hit it off and were married on August 6, 1961, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Grandville. The couple had one son, Edward II. The little family did a lot of traveling across the U.S. They journeyed across the country by automobile, enjoying the diverse sites all the way from California to Virginia. In later years, Josephine and Edward flew to their vacation spots.

Josephine taught in the Grand Rapids school system for many years. She took great pleasure in teaching and loved working with young people. Unfortunately her teaching career was cut short when she suffered a stroke at the age of fifty-five.

Josephine loved music and enjoyed a variety of styles. More recently she relaxed by watching television. Her collection of ceramic angels reminded her of higher things and she considered them a treasure.

Josephine is survived by her husband, Edward Snook; son, Edward Snook II; brother, Larry (Madelyn) Askins; and many nieces and nephews.

Josephine passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2004, at the age of eighty. She was preceded in death by four brothers.

Friends are invited to meet with Josephine's family at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, on Monday, March 1, from 7 - 9 PM and Tuesday, March 2, from 2 - 4 and from 7 - 9 PM with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 3, at 11:00 AM, at St. James Catholic Church, 733 Bridge NW, (meet at church), Fr. Tom Bolster celebrant. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. To read Josephine's complete life story, share a memory, or make a memorial contribution to either the St. James Building Fund or Grand Rapids Dominicans, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

As a nun, a daughter, a wife, a teacher, and a mother, she leaves those who knew her with an example of commitment, sacrifice, and love. She will be deeply missed.