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BORN
1943
DIED
2018
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Maxine VanZile Obituary
Horn Harbor - Maxine Elaine (Sherman) Van Zile, age 74, of Horn Harbor, New Point, Virginia passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 6, 2018. Maxine was born on August 27, 1943, wife of Byron E. Van Zile, Jr, daughter of Hazel M. Hart of Lansing, NY and the late Richard H. Sherman; mother of four, grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 5. She attended Lansing High School. Maxine was employed in many fields including Tompkins County Sheriff's Dept., Dryden Police Dept., Carousel, Tompkins County Home Health Care. Maxine's favorite was Country Ceramics which she owned and operated until she retired in 1999 when Mom and Dad moved to New Point VA.
Maxine was a truly special woman, always a shining light. She touched the hearts of those who knew her. She had a giving soul and a love for life. She loved knitting, crocheting, crafting and cooking and showered her family with her gifts. She especially enjoyed TV time with Sarge. They never missed a NASCAR race. She enjoyed reading books & on her kindle from romance, history, Native American Indians to birds. She had a talented green thumb for plants and flowers. She was a Volunteer EMT-Firefighter for Etna Fire Department. She had a strong belief in our right to vote, from 1975-1999 she worked as a registrar for Tompkins County Board of Elections.
Maxine is survived by her dearly beloved husband of 56 years, Byron E. Van Zile, Jr; a loving mother to Sherl E. (Jeffrey) Walters, Tina M. (Van Zile) Petruska, Kathy J. (Eric) Hart, and Terri L. Phillips. A devoted grandmother to Jessica (Cole) Thomas, Scott Walters (Nikki Hines), Nathaniel (Melissa) Petruska, Jacob Petruska, Mikayla Hart, Bailey Phillips, Calvin (Kristina)Petruska, Bristol Phillips, Brianna Hart, and Jennica Hart. She was an cherished great grandmother to Alyssa Thomas, Kaleigh Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Isabel Thomas, and Brooke Petruska. The adored daughter of Hazel Hart, dear sister to Roger (Diane) Sherman, Patricia (Daniel) Card, Connie Sherman, Debra (George) Figures, Betty (Scott) Dean and many nephews, nieces and her
precious dog, Bandit. Maxine was predeceased in death by her father, Richard "Dick" Sherman; brother, Richard "Ricky" Sherman Jr.; and son-in-law Detective Michael "Mike" Phillips.
The Van Zile family will receive family & friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday April 13th at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main Street, Dryden, New York. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday April 14th, 2018. Burial will follow in Willow Glen Cemetery. A Celebration of her life will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, Maxine asks that donations be made in her memory to Etna Fire Dept. at 26 Wood Rd, Freeville, NY 13068. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maxine VanZile
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Connie Sherman
April 3, 2025
I love you sis. Miss you everyday. Wish you could have met my Jim. I'm sure you would like him. But I know you are always watching over us along with Mom, Dad, Roger, Ricky, Hoddy. Tammy and all the rest.
April 14, 2018
sorry Tina and the rest of my family for your loss. see you on ancestry.com. sad day.
Mae (Inman) Gunning
April 13, 2018
Condolences to the Sherman and VanZile family.
R.I.P. cousin Maxine.
April 13, 2018
Both Kathy and I are so sorry for your loss. She was always very kind and a welcoming person to whomever she met.
With deepest Condolences,
Michael and Kathy Keegan
Carl and Dorothy Ward
April 11, 2018
Butch and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Maxine. She was a very special "Lady". I loved her beautiful personality.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family during this difficult time.
Dorothy Mikula Ward
Tom and Bev. Phillips
April 11, 2018
We know how much Maxine meant to your family and are very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Terri Zobel
April 10, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure she will be missed. It was a blessing that she had her family with her when she passed.
Frank
April 10, 2018
Butch, my deepest condolences for your loss, RIP dear lady.
Mark Solomon
April 10, 2018
Byron- So sorry for your loss.
Norman & Vickie Youngs
April 10, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers to the VanZile family!
bill kirk
April 10, 2018
Sheri,Jeff, Scott and Family - saddned to read of your mother/grandmother - please accept my respect and sympathy for your family
Dewey Dawson
April 10, 2018
To Butch and the rest of the family - I was sorry to read of Maxine's passing. I remember calling her "MAX" on the phone one day and Bryon was sure to let me know in no uncertain terms that she hated that. I didn't dare calling again!
Condolences to all.
Connie Sherman
April 9, 2018
Thinking of you and love you very much.
Connie & Rick
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