Inez Maxine Bazzy

Maxine (Snyder) Bazzy was born in Lansing, Michigan on September 19, 1938 to Earl and Ione Snyder. Maxine was the second of four daughters, all of whom remained very close to each other throughout their lives. Many of Maxine’s childhood memories were around their home on Dexter Trail in Mason, Michigan. She grew up helping to take care of the family’s livestock, as well as their extensive vegetable gardens.

Maxine attended Dansville Schools and was remembered well (60 years later) by her school bus driver, for earning herself a front row seat on her first day of school for being extra talkative. Maxine excelled in school, participating in many extracurricular activities. She sang in many school events, including school choirs, quartets, and duets. She was active on the yearbook staff and also in Home Economics, where she produced many very stylish and professional sewing projects. Maxine participated in both the concert and marching bands, playing the glockenspiel and the French horn.

After graduation, she married Emery (Jim) Guylas and their 15 year union produced two daughters, Leanne and Susan. Maxine was a Tupperware dealer and then became a manager for 11 years. It was the perfect job while raising children. The work was fun and allowed her creative side to further develop. Being a people person didn’t hurt in this line of work, either. She presented motivational/organization talks, on request, at these weekly meetings.

In 1972 Maxine met (Charles) Sid Bazzy and his four children–Kim, Todd, Lisa, and Kelly. Maxine often told people that when she saw Sid at a church event, God told her that he would be where her happiness lay. They married on January 22, 1976. Over the next few years, one by one, Sid’s daughters moved to their Mason home. There was never a dull moment! It was very rewarding to see their children mature and take their places in society, as contributing members.

Maxine worked for the State of Michigan as an Executive Secretary for the Personnel Director of Social Services, and later as the Secretary/Assistant to Director of Curriculum/Evaluation, College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean’s Office, Michigan State University. During this time, in the late 1990’s, Maxine met Shawn. He became well acquainted with her and Sid, and over time, Shawn became a true part of the family - the son that God sent to them. Shawn always referred to Maxine as Mixie - his second mom.

After retirement, Maxine and Sid established Sidmax Enterprises which encompassed wedding videography, sub-contract work for Dun and Bradstreet, and Goosey-Gander, Maxine’s handcraft business.

Maxine and Sid began an annual tradition of having the entire family go to Cedar Point each summer. The family reserved motel rooms or cottages close together and enjoyed a weekend of catching up with family news and having fun. When grandchildren arrived, they also enjoyed the event—even the fussy ones and light sleepers were mesmerized with the park activity. Another annual event for many years was being a stop on the original Christmas Home Shows in Mason.

One of Maxine’s favorite activities was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She taught even the littlest ones about Jesus through everyday situations. Christmas was always, foremost, a celebration of Jesus’s birthday.

Maxine was very active in the Ingham County Fair and won many awards for country painting, quilting, sewing, English smocking, hand knitting, machine knitting, crochet, tatting, counted cross stitch, crewel embroidery, and needlepoint. Many items received Best of Show ribbons. She was awarded the Ingham County Homemaker of the Year and subsequently organized and emceed Ladies Day for several years. A number of her English smocked dresses were in the Jacobson’s store in Troy, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. Silk ribbon embroidery was one of Maxine’s favorite forms of embroidery. She taught a number of the above mentioned needle-arts.

Presenting Bible lessons at various Wednesday night church services kept her busy, as did a series on prayer at the Mason First Church of the Nazarene and other churches. Maxine also continued her love of singing as a member of the Sweet Adelines for many years.

Maxine, and her sisters (Verla, Alice and Martha) were very close throughout their lives. After their families were grown, they met every year for a Sister Weekend to talk, eat, praise God and just have fun!

Maxine emailed daily devotions for about 15 years to family and friends. This small group grew to encompass a large number of people who lived throughout the United States. Her morning devotions helped many of us begin our daily routine. The verses she highlighted, along with her comments, met so many of us where we happened to be at any given time. It was clear that she was listening to God as she prepared them.

Maxine’s philosophy was: “We only have one life to live, so make it count for God and family. And if I can’t have fun, I’m not doing it! Laughter has gotten me through many hard times. God has always faithfully led me through one stage of my life and into the next one. I’ve had some interesting jobs along the way. The ones I’ve mentioned and a few others but my career has always been my home and family.”

Maxine was an amazing example of unshakable faith in Jesus, love, patience, loyalty, kindness, encouragement, generosity, and strength of character. Her faith in Christ defined her, and all who knew her loved her. She touched so many lives over her 85 years on this earth. Heaven is sweeter just knowing she is there. We will miss her dearly, but look forward to the day when we are reunited in heaven with our Lord!

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband and “the love of her life”, Charles (Sid) Bazzy; son, Todd Bazzy; sisters: Verla Ensign, Alice Belen, and Martha Pouland.

Maxine is survived by: children Kim Bazzy, Leanne (Phillip) Minshall, Lisa (David) Harris, Susan Guylas, Kelly (Craig) Strantz, and Shawn Tabb; grandchildren Travis (Karla) Finch, Steven (Natalie) Burkhart , Aaron (Kaitlyn) Minshall, Jamie (Jacob) King, Nathan (Danielle) Burkhart, Rachelle (Dylan) Finch, Daniel Bazzy-Schmidt (Brandy Reyes), Christy (Chase) Bartels, Mary Harris, and Andrew Harris; eleven great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Marian Awwad and Kathryn Anthoney-Smith, many nieces and nephews, and countless others she considered family.

Maxine’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:30 am at the Mason First Church of the Nazarene, 415 E. Maple Street, Mason, MI 48854. Visitation and luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Maxine Bazzy to:

Encounter Church, Journey Ministries, 620 Robinson Road, Jackson, MI 49209.