Maxine J. Heie

If ever a quotation epitomized a beloved mother, sister, and friend-to-all, like Maxine J. Heie, it would be this one from Dean Koontz, "Each smallest act of kindness reverberates across great distances and spans of time - affecting lives unknown to the one whose generous spirit was the source of this good echo. Because kindness is passed on, and grows each time it's passed, until a simple courtesy becomes a selfless courage years later, and far away." On January 31, 2020, Maxine passed from this life and began a new journey into the undiscovered country. For all who knew her, the ripple effect of her love and kindness will endure forever. She leaves behind the love-of-her-life and beloved husband, Herbert R. Heie, by whose side she spent 56 joy-filled years. Maxine was born, November 28, 1940, a proud farm girl, which she remained throughout her life. She could name every breed of cattle in the state of Michigan, where she was born and raised. She grew up under the wise guidance of her parents: Leo G. and Bertha M. (maiden: Hilton) Sperbeck, while making marvelous memories she loved to share with her two sisters, Pearl Newton and Norma Henne, all of whom preceded her in her journey. Blessed with a nurturing spirit, Maxine could grow anything. Whether it was the strawberries she refused to eat (but everyone else gladly devoured), the numerous baby creatures she nursed back to health, or the many children (and adults) she took under her wing over the years, Maxine lavished each one with her love and endless patience. When with her, she could make one feel like the most important, beloved person in the world - but one of her countless gifts. Her surviving family, Herb O. (Kathryn) Heie and Geneva (Bill) Shawcross, four grandchildren: Eric (Holly) Heie, Ruby (Michael) Rubley, Teagan Shawcross and Shauna Shawcross, two rambunctious great-grandchildren: Keira and Kaiden Heie, and many nieces and nephews will all attest to this. Always industrious, when Maxine wasn't growing and cooking incredible food for loved ones, she was sewing and crafting any number of handy creations to help others out. With her husband at her side, Maxine enthusiastically explored the country she loved,collected antiques or kicked up her heels on dance floor. She was a crack shot, a card shark, and a consummate character, a former member of the Grass Lake Order of the Eastern Star and a founder (and notorious troublemaker) of the Grass Lake Red Hat Society. She touched the lives of everyone at the Brooklyn American Legion Wilber-Bartlett Post #315 Ladies Auxiliary (211 Chicago Street, Brooklyn), where she was a proud member for many years, and where a Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 4:00 pm. with Pastor Larry Rubingh officiating. Contributions in her memory may be directed to the Brooklyn American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. Heie's remains will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan at a later date.

Maxine J. Heie

November 28, 1940 - January 31, 2020