Judith Claire (Snell) Trexler

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Judith Claire Trexler,  a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife,  mother,  friend, and lover of all animals on Tuesday, November 3rd.                                                                             

Born in Flint, Michigan to parents Edward and Donella Snell, she grew up happily with her younger brother Bob. The family begin a lifelong tradition of vacationing at Glen Lake in Glen Arbor, Michigan in 1944.  Glen Lake had a profound effect on Judy’s life which included happy memories with her mom, dad and brother, meeting  her  husband Tom,  and a vacation home for her family.                                      

She attended college at the University of Michigan and then transferred to Michigan State University obtaining her 2-year certificate in the secretary program.  She enjoyed her career as a secretary and eventually retired from a real estate firm in the Northville, Novi area.                                  

As a doting mother, she took great care of her daughters, often sacrificing her own needs in the process.  She had a flair for  throwing splendid birthday parties, baking beautiful birthday cakes, and creating home-made Halloween costumes to the delight of her daughters.  Judy involved herself in her children’s activities as a Brownie Leader, a 4-H Leader, and President of a Horse Show Organization.  She loved being a mom, and devoted herself to the happiness of her family.                                                                                

Her affection and devotion towards her grandchildren followed suit.  Judy and Tom’s home in Northville, Michigan  and their condo at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor were gathering places for the family…a place where all could go to forget about life for a while and soak up the love of a devoted mother and grandmother.  

In addition to her family, Judy loved animals.   She had many pets of her own….cats, a bird named Sinbad, dogs which included four Yorkshire Terriers and four Shih Tzu.  She would go to the ends of the earth for her furry friends.  In her retirement years, Judy enjoyed showing her precious

Shih Tzu, earning their Championships in the show ring.             

She loved making crafts with her friend Judy Ewing, walking dogs with Carolyn Tews,  shopping at Birch Run with Linda Dominick and Cara Arbenowski,  spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and traveling up north with her husband Tom.       

In 2012, Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  Following the death of her husband in 2017, she moved in with her daughter Wendi in Sylvania, Ohio.  Although the disease took her ability to complete familiar tasks, it did not diminish her spirit and love for others.    She handled her situation with grace and humor.  Her witty one-liners always surprised us and threw us into fits of giggles. We are forever indebted to her lovely caregivers:  Rose Stevens, Connie Snyder, Becky Taylor, Lee Kramer, Carmen Olinger, Judy Robbins, and Heidi Cook.  These guardian angels kept our mother entertained, loved, and engaged.                          

Predeceased by her husband Tom, and her beloved

Shih Tzu Wags, Muffy and Bindi.  Survived by her brother Bob Snell (Sharon), daughters Kristi (Jim) Collins and Wendi (Kevin) Danzeisen as well as 7 grandchildren; Mandy, Hunter, Forest, Drake Collins and Logan, Anna, and Lexi Danzeisen and her faithful, furry friend Tapper who never left her bedside.                                                                                      

A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Ohio Living Hospice for their tender loving care of our mother in her final days.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 6th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm with a service following at the Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, OH.  COVID precautions will be in place. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.      

A family grave-side service will take place at a later date in Empire, Michigan where Judy will be laid to rest beside her husband, Tom.                                                                                 

Memorial contributions may be made by living your best life as Judy did despite her disease.  Notice the clouds in the blue sky and the birds floating on the wind.  Tell a stranger you love them.  Give money to people on the corner.  And if you see a person in a University of Michigan sweatshirt, give them a  hearty fist bump and exclaim “Go Blue!!”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith Claire (Snell) Trexler, please visit our floral store.