Sandra Jean Maxim

Sandra Jean (Hautala) Maxim passed away on August 7, 2024 at the age of 77 after a decades- long battle with a chronic illness. Sandy was born to Emma Rabitoy and John Hautala in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is survived by her sons Steven and Peter Maxim, her grandchildren Stella and Zander Maxim, her sisters Mary Kubiak, Judy Bowen, Elaine (Larry) Kirk and many nieces and nephews. Sandy was preceded in death by her son Paul, her parents Emma and John Hautala and brothers in law Ed Kubiak and Jack Bowen. She graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central in 1965 and went on to enter the convent as a Novitiate with the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids at Marywood. But life was calling her to other adventures. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in secondary education, then obtained a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation and Counseling from Michigan State University. Sandy went on to marry and had three boys whom she loved dearly. Then came her grandchildren Stella and Zander who brought her much joy. Sandy worked as a junior high school teacher in Plainwell, Michigan. After the twins were born they moved to Lansing. She worked as a fashion consultant for Undercoverwear and then after receiving her Master’s degree she worked as a rehabilitation counselor for Peckham Industries. Sandy’s life can be summed up by remembering the three F’s - Faith, Family and Friends. Sandy’s faith was not just something she talked about-she lived it. She enjoyed being a eucharistic minister as it gave her an opportunity to talk to people who were homebound and often lonely. Sandy was no stranger to loss and was the first to comfort those who had lost a loved one. She drove people to doctor’s appointments, counseled people newly diagnosed with cancer and brought meals to shut-ins. Sandy maintained a strong faith in God and commitment to her Catholic faith right to the end. She welcomed people praying with her at the hospice house and took great comfort in receiving the sacrament of the sick. She believed that God had called her home and was ready and peaceful to the end. Her children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews were an anchor for her in a world that was sometimes rocky. She loved the gatherings at the lake, the sister’s trips and the many birthday and holiday celebrations. She and her sisters maintained a weekly Zoom call to keep up on their lives. Who had more friends than Sandy? She was loved by so many and her smile and laugh would light up any room. Sandy was always up for an adventure whether it be a trip to the casino or a trip to another country. In her job with Undercoverwear Sandy traveled the world and found wonder in every place she visited. Sandy was a regular participant in the Marsh Pointe Singers group and often spoke about what a joyful experience that was. Sandy belonged to a book club for over twenty years and brought the fun to every gathering. She loved bloody mary’s with extra olives, elephants, board games and card games, tea sets, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Jimmy Buffet, penny slot machines, sisu, geocaching, she loved being near the water, she was a true Spartan fan, her favorite color was leopard print, and she was the only person on the planet who actually liked circus peanuts candy. Sandy will be remembered as a woman who had a zest for life and her enthusiasm and adventurous spirit will be greatly missed. With that in mind it was her wish that friends and family wear anything leopard print to her service. The funeral mass will be held on August 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Okemos, Michigan with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be at the church Thursday from 9:30-11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 (https://giftoflifemichigan.org/charitablegiving/make-a-contribution#contribution), Mother Teresa Hospice House, 308 W. Walnut Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933 (https://motherteresahouse.org/how-can-i-help/financial-support/?form=FUNXDCKRMYK) or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en&_gl=1*1losu0q*_gcl_au*MjgwNTMxNTYxLjE3MjM0NjkyMzQ.*_ga*MTkxMTA1NzM2LjE3MjM0NjkyMzQ.*_ga_12CJLLFFQT*MTcyMzQ2OTIzNC4xLjAuMTcyMzQ2OTIzNC42MC4wLjA.) The family is being served by Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Sandra Jean Maxim

May 19, 1947 - August 7, 2024