Joan "Honey" VanDervoort Snider

Lansing, Michigan

Joan “Honey” VanDervoort Snider (87) passed away in Hospice on November 23, 2015, after a sudden health failure.  She was born in Lansing on November 3, 1928, to Edward & Betty VanDervoort.

Joan was a loving, thoughtful, generous, positive force – and she will be greatly missed.

Joan graduated from East Lansing High School, DePauw University, and earned her master’s degree at MSU. She taught in Menominee, MI, Pattengill Junior High, and in Germany before launching her 30-year counseling career at Eastern High School. Joan was devoted to her students – and passionately supported their lives, academics, sports & activities. Joan was a career counselor for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYETP), and after retiring from Eastern she was the advisor for MSU’s CHAMP (honors math) program, and was the photographer for MSU Spartan Baseball.

Joan was a member of the Lansing Junior League, Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni, MEA, and DAR. She was on the board of directors of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and volunteered at the Ingham County Juvenile Home and Sparrow Hospital.

Joan was raised a Christian Scientist, and then served as the Youth Organizer at Central United Methodist Church. She was also an active member of Mayflower Congregational Church and Unity of Greater Lansing.

Joan was the recipient of many awards and honors which included the 1985 Lansing School District Outstanding Contribution Award, the 2003 Dick Letts Youth and Community Service Award, 2010 Community Leadership Award through the Lansing Wrestling Officials Association, and was inducted into both the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame and the Eastern Athletic Hall of Fame.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sister & brother-in-law Nanette & William G. Martin, and sons Brad and Kurt (Kim Hayes) Snider. She is survived by daughter Nanette Snider, grandsons Jonathan & Daniel Hurlbutt, and special cousins: Cynthia (Jeff) Colton, John (Wendy) Martin, Natalie (Greg) Smith, Van (Sharon) Martin, Jim Bitzer, Janet (Mike) Riordan, and their children & grandchildren – who were each so precious to her.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015, in the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel with the Rev. Melanie Baker officiating. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing – Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910 or to MSU Baseball through the Spartan Fund, Michigan State University, Spartan Way, 535 Chestnut Rd – Room 200, East Lansing, MI 48824 – 4005 or by calling 517-432-4610.

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Nanette Snider
November 26, 2015 at 11:45 pm

From Nanette Snider: Joan’s daughter

Mom’s health took a turn for the worse a few weeks ago – and on Monday 11/23/2015 she passed away in hospice. Mom had always wanted to stay in her apartment until she could go to hospice; and they were able to make sure she was safe and comfortable – and they were able to control the pain.

Mom suffered from a number of significant health issues, but I would not be surprised if few people knew (she was very good at keeping up appearances). When things got complicated a few weeks ago – everything went wrong at once. Despite the efforts of her family doctor, in home nursing, my cousin Cynthia (a nurse) and my best efforts at home with her – we could not get mom stabilized or control the pain.

The staff at Stoneleigh provided love, comfort, and a very high level of medical care. After the first few days the doctors restricted visitation to family only, but she was free from pain when she passed.

Thank you for all your love and support!

nanettesnider@comcast.net
(517-281-8123)
2105 Marguerite Ave
Lansing MI 48912

Reply
Margo Chi
November 29, 2015 at 8:02 pm

Joan was the kindest and most-giving person I’ve known. I first met her at the pool at Frandor where we did water aerobics at the same time. Soon after that, she invited me to play cards at her home which I continued to do for many years. I will always remember her glee when she was dealt a Joker and her friendly competitiveness. I will also remember our many discussions of MSU sports–basketball and football for me although baseball was her passion. Joanie has truly been a great friend to me and many others. I will remember her always–especially that warm, beaming smile. I miss her so but take comfort in my many happy memories.

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Shelley Mull
November 30, 2015 at 8:19 am

Nan — You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Losing our Mom is hard, but you are not alone. Call on your friends and family as they are here to help you through this difficult time.

I love the picture. I can see you in your Mom. :o)

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Spartan Baseball
November 30, 2015 at 1:52 pm

We are saddened to hear that one of the “First Lady’s” of Spartan Baseball has passed. She was at every home game she could get to with a smile and all her unwavering support. The pictures she took made their way to our staff and players and always meant a the world to all of us. She will never be forgotten, a true Spartan! We will continue to keep her family in our thoughts and prayers

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Sheri Randall
November 30, 2015 at 10:00 pm

So sorry that she is no longer with us.

Joan was my counsellor at Eastern 1966-68. I could always count on her for a smile and sensible advice provided with wit, wisdom and humor.
Along with Jack Hudson, who also passed away recently, she helped me through some rough patches! Was fortunate to reunite with her and another student about 15 years ago, Roy Waller, who was also deeply indebted to her for helping him attend the University of Michigan.

She was an amazing woman!!! Kind, funny and always engaged in life. I will never forget your beautiful smile and your positive impact on my life Joanie

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Marge Pollice
December 4, 2015 at 6:55 pm

I met Joanie about 15 years ago doing water aerobics at Frandor Fitness.

Joanie, as I always called her, was a wonderful, caring, loving friend. She loved life and her smile lit up a room when she walked in. Once anyone met Joanie, you were no longer a stranger to her. Joanie took great pleasure giving others, cards, gifts, flowers, candy, trinkets, photos, etc. The last few years, Joanie many times referred to me as her personal shopper. She and I would talk about gifts she might be interested in giving to her family and special, dear friends. I would than do her shopping.
I will miss Joanie very much but I am truly blessed to have had her as my dear friend.

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Amy Grew
December 6, 2015 at 11:59 pm

I was a student and coach at Eastern. I was so privileged to know Ms. Snider. She made my day at the beginning of each school day after a match or game, knowing I would have that special envelope filled with pictures! What a special lady! Thank you Ms. Snider! I will miss you!

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Lynn and Tom Beard
December 7, 2015 at 10:04 am

Joanie was such a wonderfully positive and upbeat person–always a smile and her face. We can’t imagine how many kids at Eastern were helped, changed or impacted by all she did for them. She was a great counselor, a wonderful person and loving friend. She will be missed.

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Lynn O'Berry
December 7, 2015 at 1:43 pm

I met Joni about 10 years ago. We swam together 3 days a week. her smile was catching getting everyone in a good mood. I than started doing her hair and look forward to coming in. She will be missed.

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Bonnie Music
December 7, 2015 at 5:08 pm

My heart is saddened in hearing of the passing of Joan. Joan was such a special lady. Her terrific smile, her kindness towards everyone and her constant generosity would warm your heart. Another Angel has entered heaven. My condolences to her family.

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George Petroff
December 9, 2015 at 2:52 pm

Nanette, So sorry to hear about your Mom. Growing up she was always there with a smile and kind word. Her “glass always half full” attitude was catching and for all of us who knew her, there is nothing but fond memories. God Bless you and all the other family members. She will be missed, but our memories of Joan will always be good.

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Jeff Holmes
December 11, 2015 at 8:05 pm

Ms Snider was my counsellor, and she was instrumental in making sure I had the best teachers and classes that Eastern could offer. It took several years for me to realize that so many accomplishments were because of her efforts to steer me toward my strengths, and then she would tell me how proud she was that I did it myself! Many of us at Eastern succeeded because of her guidance. I was so grateful she attended my graduation from medical school and shared our celebration. We all realized that event was partly the culmination of her wisdom and guidance. She is the great example of the life well-lived, measured by how many people were blessed by her attention. She is a gift to us all.

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Jenny McCampbell
December 12, 2015 at 2:35 pm

I had the immense pleasure of working with Joan when she was the CHAMP counselor, and I was the coordinator of the program. She did a wonderful, supportive job of working with the students as they participated in a challenging program for mathematically gifted students in grades 7 – 10. She obviously loved students, people in general, and MSU baseball among other things. With her sense of humor and her positive outlook she brightened the day for all around her. She was a real treasure.

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Darlene & Jeff Geswein
January 29, 2016 at 8:48 pm

Nanette, I’m so sorry for the loss of you mother. I was sadden when I opened the Christmas card from you and realized that Joan passed. She had such a beautiful spirit . She loved her MSU baseball players. She was a very thoughtful lady, giving us pictures and articles every week. Even when Kyle graduated, I would get a card in the mail from her with more pictures or articles that she found. I want you to know, me and my family are truly blessed to have known her. Joan will forever live in our hearts. Keeping you in our prayers. Thank your for sharing her with us.

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