Maxine Ida-Mae Heim

Maxine Ida-Mae (Squier) Heim, 95, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Stevensville, Michigan, after a brief stay at the Hanson Hospice Center. 

Maxine was born on July 16, 1929, in Glendale, California, to the late Russell Grefe Squier (a general contractor) and Beatrice Maxine (Ogden) Squier (a nurse). 

Maxine was raised as a small child in Oregon and California and attended grade school in Sacramento, CA, where the family (which now included little brother, Stanley) settled. She grew up in a large, extended family and often recalled that although the family did not have a lot of money during the Depression years, they did have a lot of fun. In addition to family events, friends were often invited over on Saturday nights for games and popcorn. 

When it was time for Academy, Maxine went away to boarding school at nearby Lodi Academy in Lodi, CA, where she caught the eye of the principal’s son, Ernest Fred Heim, Jr. Maxine and Ernie’s friendship grew over time and they were married on January 17, 1948. The couple built a small house and settled down to make their home in Sacramento. 

Their first child, April, was born in October, 1952. Younger sister, Laura, was born in March, 1956. In the summer of 1959 tragedy struck. Ernie was seriously injured in a diving accident at a church social and became a quadriplegic. For the next twenty years (until his passing in 1979), Maxine would be his full-time caregiver. While caring for Ernie and raising their daughters, Maxine went back to college to become an elementary school teacher. This took an extraordinary amount of work—yet she never complained. This commitment to her husband and family have made a lifelong impression on those who have observed her quiet and unselfish service. After graduating from Sacramento State University, she taught third-grade for over twenty years at Sacramento Union Academy, where her own daughters had attended. Teaching gave her the opportunity to shape the minds and hearts of countless children and was a calling she happily embraced. 

When Maxine retired from teaching, she moved to the Andrews University community to be near her two daughters and their families. For over twenty years, Maxine was a treasured volunteer at Neighbor to Neighbor, where her daughter, Laura, was the director. Maxine made many friends there and selflessly contributed many years of service, exemplifying her commitment to helping others until she “retired” from volunteer service at age 94. Maxine was always a “doer.” In addition to volunteering, she enjoyed many hobbies such as scrapbooking, reading, and gardening. The flowers in her yard brought her a lot of joy and she shared them with family and friends. She was also a member of the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Maxine’s final years were also enriched by the friendship of her neighbor, William (Bill) Otte who was a big help to her in many ways--driving her to and from her volunteer work, helping keep up her yard, and providing companionship in her sunset years. Her family is very thankful for his kindness and faithful friendship. 

Above all, Maxine's role as a loving grandmother to eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren filled her life with many family activities and get-togethers. Her can-do spirit and love will continue to flourish in the lives of those she touched. Maxine's memory will be held dear, leaving an indelible impression of a life well lived and generously shared.

Along with her parents, Maxine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ernest Fred Heim, Jr. and great granddaughter Maxine Meyer-Miskiewicz.

Left to cherish the memory of Maxine is her daughter, April (Randy) Younker; grandchildren, Rebecca (Cleran) Hollancid, Michael Younker, Elizabeth Younker, and Sarah Younker; great grandchildren, Isabelle, Liliana, and Tobias Hollancid; daughter, Laura (Paul) Meyer; grandchildren, Matthew (Clara) Meyer, Andrew (Amy) Meyer, Victoria (Branden) Meyer-Miskiewicz, and Zachary Meyer; great grandchildren, Lillianna, James, and Daniel Meyer; Alexander and Aurora Meyer; and Arthur Meyer-Miskiewicz, and brother, Stanley A. Squier.

In keeping with Maxine’s wishes, a Memorial Service will be held in her memory this coming summer. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to Neighbor to Neighbor, 9147 U S Highway 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Maxine’s family at www.AllredFuneralHome.com