Joyce Snook

Even though Joyce Snook was small in stature, it didn’t mean she couldn’t hold her own. In fact, when coupled with her feisty nature, she did quite well for herself. A woman of many interests, Joyce lived an active life filled with the things she loved, but most importantly, with the people she loved. A generous woman, Joyce put her heart into all she did. A beloved mother and grandmother, Joyce leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of those she leaves to carry on.

With the United States unknowingly on the brink of the Great Depression, a sense of gaiety continued to fill the air in the era known as The Roaring Twenties. Americans were introduced to scheduled television programming and the infamous Amos and Andy made their radio debut. Music and movies highlighted the times as Mickey Mouse first appeared on the big screen and America’s love for baseball and the enforcement of prohibition made daily headlines. For Clarence and Dorothy Fick, nothing could have been more exciting than anticipating the birth of their second child. Nestled at home on their family farm in Columbiaville, Michigan, Joyce Anna was lovingly welcomed on April 28, 1928.

Joyce grew up on the family farm where her father worked the land as a farmer. Her mother, a homemaker, cared for Joyce and her sisters, Louise, Agnes and Katie. The girls experienced many adventures growing up together along with the many chores of farm life. Merely five years old when she was unfortunately struck by a bread truck, ailments from the accident would later become a problem for her. She attended the area schools, but once in high school she found it difficult to climb the stairs there. At the age of 16 she underwent surgery to repair the damage caused by the accident years earlier. In fact, the surgery pioneered on Joyce was later used to treat war injured veterans.

In a full body cast for the next six months, Joyce had no choice but to leave her schooling behind during her ninth grade year. She filled her time learning to knit and crochet which became a lifelong passion. She also wrote a heartwarming letter to Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the President’s wife, asking her to write a close cousin who had been injured as a soldier during the war. Eleanor not only wrote the cousin but wrote Joyce as well, commending her for her bravery during her own long recuperation. This letter continues to be a treasure in her family to this day. As a young girl Joyce also enjoyed playing the guitar and loved country music.

Grand Rapids, Michigan became Joyce’s home when at the age of 18 she began living with her aunt and uncle in the city. She soon took a job in a local factory making radio tubes. In time she met a handsome young man named Richard Snook who stole her heart. Married in 1947 in Joyce’s hometown of Columbiaville, they returned to Grand Rapids where they made their first home in a small apartment on Prospect Street. They later bought a small house on Dawson NE, but now with four children, their living quarters soon became too small in their tiny two bedroom house. They then moved to a home on Chatham NW where they added four more children. In time they made another necessary move to Ball Park Boulevard where they welcomed their ninth child who completed their family.

With a large family to support, Joyce worked third shift at Kent Community Hospital and during the day tended to her family. Although she and Richard divorced in the mid 1970s, they eventually became good friends again, often helping one another out. Joyce continued her work at the hospital and in time purchased a house on Houseman Street while Richard took over living at their former house together on Ball Park. Sadly, Richard died on December 8, 2001.

A woman of many interests, Joyce found much to keep herself busy. Along with family and work, she loved crocheting and knitting, and always found time to play Bingo. She also played the Lottery, and found enjoyment working in her garden and on crossword puzzles, which she did daily. She loved times spent with her sister Agnes traveling to beautiful and exciting destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii and many trips to Las Vegas. Never too big on going out for dinner, she preferred eating at home. She was a collector of many tins which included everything from cookie tins to sauce tins and loved watching the Antique Road Show. Like many, she always dreamed that she too had something of great undiscovered value.

In spite of her earlier health issues, Joyce enjoyed good health during her adult life and remained living at home on her own. She loved each of her grandchildren dearly and the memory of her singing little ditties and rhymes to them is a cherished reminder of her love. Recently diagnosed with pneumonia, Joyce died quite unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at the age of 82.

As generous as she was feisty, Joyce Snook lived life with determination. She was a hard worker yet found time to enjoy the things that meant the most to her, but foremost in her heart remained the love of family. A beloved mother and grandmother, she will be fondly missed and dearly remembered.

Besides her former husband, Joyce was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Snook; daughter, Jeanne Medved; and sister, Louise. She is survived by her children: Bonnie VanderBos, Richard Snook, James Snook, David Snook, Tom (Angie) Snook, Edward (Margie) Snook, and Mary Snook; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Agnes Fick and Katie Koyle. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with her family from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Friday at the funeral home. Interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Contributions in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign her online guest book before arriving at the funeral home.