Jean F. Snellink

Jean Snellink was a woman as selfless as she was supportive, as thoughtful as she was helpful, and as loving as she was beloved. She did anything and everything to help those around her, with an uncommon generosity and compassion. She was a devoted daughter, caring wife, and a loving mother and grandmother, who always put her family first in her life, and in her heart. Jeans story began on a beautiful May day in 1924, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, as the Roaring 20s entered their heyday, when Big Bands were king, and Prohibition was law of the land. There was much to celebrate in 1924, especially for William and Frances (Pierce) Phillips, who celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl on May 20, 1924, a daughter they named Jean. Jean joined her sister Betty in the familys home in Grand Rapids, where her father worked as a mailman. Betty was two years older than Jean, but the two couldnt have been closer growing up. Jean and her sister had a difficult childhood, as their mother suffered terribly from rheumatoid arthritis, and they lovingly cared for her and tended to her needs. They also tended to the familys fantastic flower gardens at their Gibson Street home, which was nicknamed the Apple Tree House. The family was dealt an even more difficult blow when Jean was just 12, when her father died suddenly. With little income coming in, especially during the Great Depression, she and her sister went to work to make ends meet. And boy, did Jean learn to work. She worked at the local drug stores soda fountain, a job she loved. She also worked as a babysitter, did sewing on the side, and other jobs, too. Work, work, work that was what Jean did as a young woman, saving every penny to give to her mother and sister, who did likewise. The sisters werent all work and no play, however. In 1943, they went to a U.S.O. dance, which were so popular in those days. Jean and Betty caught the eye of two members of the band one night, called The Aristocrats. Betty began dating one of the band members, Bob Sullivan, and Jean began dating the bands trumpet player, Roy Brown. The four of them had such great times together, going to dances and parties. Roy had polio, and had use of just one arm, but it didnt slow them down. They were married in 1948, and soon built a new home in Grand Rapids. Jeans sister married her bandmate boyfriend, too, and her husband Roy's parents and grandmother moved in next door, giving her an instant extended family. Those were very happy times for the couple, and soon they became parents, as well. They welcomed their son Mark in 1950, their daughter Beverly in 1954, and Barbara rounded out the family in 1955. They did much together, from going up north camping, to spending time with their close friends in the close-knit neighborhood, to family picnics. Jean devoted her whole life to her family, and was so supportive and caring to her kids. Eventually, Jean and Roy were divorced, in 1962, and the suddenly single parent Jean went back to work, first at the Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital and later for Caterpillar Corporation. She didnt let her parenting duties suffer, however, and was an integral part of their lives. She also enjoyed her childrens friends, too, and treated them as her own, with an open-door policy to her home. Jean wasnt meant to be alone, however. She soon began a romance with a man named Gerald Snellink, who was a longtime friend of hers. She and Gerald just clicked, and were married in 1965, beginning so many wonderful years together. Gerald had three kids of his own, Cheryl, Kathy and Dan, and though they didnt live with them, Jean treated them as her own whenever she saw them. As the years went by, her children went out on their own, and started their own families, which made Jean so thrilled. One of the greatest days of her life was the birth of her first grandchild, her beautiful granddaughter Prairie. Jean was simply ecstatic, just as she was with each of her grandsons that followed. Jean eventually retired from Caterpillar, giving her more time to spend doing the things she loved. Jean enjoyed sewing, gardening, or spending time with her many friends, but foremost in her life was always her family. From her beloved Gerald, to her kids, grandkids and even great-grandson Graysen, Jean loved nothing more than being near them. Sadly, her health began to decline later in life, and in 2002 she was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. She went in and out of several nursing homes in the following years, and even though her memory faded, she never forgot her loving family. Jean sadly died on Thursday, October 4, 2007, at the age of 83. Jean was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of family and fond memories. Jean was such a hardworking, caring woman, who did anything and everything to help those around her. She was a devoted daughter, caring wife, and a loving mother and grandmother, who always put her family first in her life, and in her heart. She will be greatly missed. Jean is survived by her husband, Gerald; 1 son, Mark (Karen) Brown of Alaska, MI; 2 daughters, Beverly Scott of Grand Rapids, MI & Barbara Ann Brown of Nunica, MI; 5 grandchildren, Prairie, Ethan, Ben, Daniel & Alexander; 1 great grandson, Graysen; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy Brown & a sister Mary "Betty" Sullivan. Services are scheduled for Sunday, October 7, 2007, 3:00 PM at the Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Pastor Jerald Poehl officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of North Ottawa. Please visit Jeans Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo of her, or to sign her online guestbook.