Elizabeth Vincenza "Synne" (Volpe) Hagist

Elizabeth Vincenza "Synne" (Volpe) Hagist, 95, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at Stone Ridge Assisted Living in Bellevue, Michigan on Monday, August 8, 2022.

Elizabeth was born as Vincenza Elizabeth Volpe on August 30, 1926, in Manistee, Michigan to James and Elizabeth (Fewins) Volpe. She was known by most as Synne, a nickname bestowed upon her by her many younger siblings who struggled as kids to pronounce her traditionally Italian name.

Synne graduated from Honor High School in 1944 and quickly determined that she wanted to be a teacher. She first received her Teacher Certification from Benzie County Normal School and began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Pontiac, Michigan. She went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University followed by a Master's Degree from Michigan State University. Synne spent the bulk of her teaching career at McKinley Elementary School and, after many successful and joyful years shaping the minds of her students, she retired in 1995.

Being one of twelve children, Synne grew up as a natural caretaker which prepared her well for her future in teaching and raising a family of her own. The value of hard work was instilled in her at a young age, as she helped her parents tend to their fruit store and drove the delivery truck for the business – a time she often reflected upon fondly. Synne was blessed with three boys of her own, and nine grandchildren who loved getting "squishes" and delicious home cooked meals every time they visited grandma.

Surviving Synne are two of her sons, Todd (Pam) Hagist of Battle Creek and Matthew (Mary) Hagist of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and daughter-in-law Sue Hagist of Battle Creek; her grandchildren Christopher (Kate) Hagist of Portage, Brianne (Adam) Mayhew of Kalamazoo, Megan (Samuel) Weiser Novak of San Diego, CA, Tyler Jack (Megan) Hagist, Michael Hagist, Amanda Hagist, and Brandy Hagist of Battle Creek, Ferris Harville and Casey Hagist of Fayetteville, North Carolina; three sisters, Linda ("Mae") Frestick and Marietta ("Sherry") Huedepohl of Norman, Oklahoma, and Jean Bowers of Beulah, Michigan as well as numerous great grandchildren. Rejoicing with her in heaven are her parents, siblings Luis ("Bud") Volpe, Mariapalma ("Pam") Lewis, Georgia ("Polly") Barck, Sarah ("Sis") Nostrandt, Margret ("Marg") Smith, Vincent ("Wink") Volpe, twins Dean ("Jim") and Dale ("John") Volpe; as well as her eldest son Jack A. Hagist.

Synne was a longstanding member of First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, where services to celebrate her life will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 25th with a luncheon following. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. The family hopes you will join them to celebrate Synne's special zest for life which never stopped shining during her 95 years. The service was recorded and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/743124343/c342a28311. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.