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Wendy Maxfield Obituary
1951-2019
Wendy Nelson Maxfield, our dazzling and precious wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister passed away on January 11, 2019, after a courageous and faith-filled battle with cancer. Wendy was born in Washington, D.C., on April 5, 1951, to Russell Marion and Dantzel White Nelson. She grew up in Salt Lake City, where she attended East High School. She earned a degree from the University of Utah, where she enjoyed her time as a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Throughout her life, she made everyone she came in contact with feel like they were an important part of her life, because they truly were. Wendy married her loving husband, Norman A. Maxfield, on August 27, 1974, in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they shared a wonderful life of family, fun and adventure. They started off in Washington D.C. where she worked on Capitol Hill, and then settled their family back in Salt Lake City.
Her greatest joy and privilege was found in mothering her 7 children: Marissa (Jeff) Jackson, Blake (Michelle) Maxfield, Matthew (Heidi) Maxfield, Brady (Taisja) Maxfield, Megan (Craig) Hammond, Bryndy (Lincoln) Bradshaw, and Makenzie (James) Taylor. Wendy had endless energy and would drop everything to play with or serve her precious children. She was also the best Nani to her 20 grandchildren, whom she supported at every opportunity; never missing the chance to hold a baby, attend a musical, athletic or school event. Her humble influence as a mother and woman was profoundly selfless. She is now having a tender and long-awaited reunion with her sister, Emily, and her angel mother, Dantzel. She is survived by her husband, Norm, their children and grandchildren, her 7 beautiful sisters, 1 brother, a loving daddy and his wife, Wendy, and a large extended family.
Wendy touched countless lives as a dear friend, neighbor and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her constant effort to serve and uplift others helped her live to a higher standard with unwavering enthusiasm and love. She surrounded herself with goodness. Her heart was full of gratitude and charity. Wendy had a close and personal relationship with the Lord through prayer, and sought every opportunity to be His hands. She was completely devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Wendy was blessed with physical beauty and grace of movement; she continually loved to dance through life. Music was an inspiration to her, it was uncanny how many, many songs she could sing word for word; she was a living music box. She was always having fun - whether it was late night rollerblading, doing high kicks, taking a lap around the entire lake on her slalom ski, and going non-stop on every vacation - there was never a dull moment. We weep together because of our love for dear Wendy and are grateful to know that families can be together forever.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, January 19, 11:00 a.m. at the Brighton Stake Center, located at 2895 Creek Road, Sandy, UT 84093. Friends and family may come to honor this remarkable woman on Friday, January 18, 2019, from 6-8 p.m. at 2895 Creek Road. The funeral will be followed by a private family graveside service. Online condolences www.cannonmortuary.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wendy Maxfield
Sponsored by Cannon Mortuary.
Terry Thompson
February 21, 2025
I was able to date Wendy a couple of times while attending East High School. She was indeed beautiful and fun. I lost out to the true love of her life (Maxfield) whom she eventually married.
Our loss...heaven's gain.
One of our 'singing parties'.
Jim and Marilyn Barry
February 7, 2019
Dear Norm and family, Our love and condolences to you and your loved ones. Wendy is greatly missed. I have thought of you and Wendy so much since we heard the sad news of her passing. My mind has reflected on our years in dental school and how much Wendy was my friend and confidant. You and Wendy were a year older' in dental school age and Jim and I relied on your wisdom and experience. One of my favorite memories of Wendy centered on singing. Wendy, Virginia Wood and I would get together regularly to sing. Wendy with her beautiful alto voice was the foundation and Virginia with her angelic soprano and perfect pitch kept us on pitch. We were always preparing to sing for some church event. We were also the YW presidency so our interaction was constant. I love Wendy and Virginia with all my heart. Jim and I are praying for you and your sweet family as you navigate this difficult time. With love, Jim and Marilyn Barry
One of our 'singing parties'
Jim and Marilyn Barry
February 7, 2019
Christine Lindsey
January 22, 2019
Dear Brother Maxfield and Family,
We met you and your dear wife years ago, back in the Arlington Ward after Rob and I were first married. I was a relatively new convert to the Church, and had no idea then who her father was. But I will never, ever forget the impression she made upon my "new convert heart." She radiated the light of the gospel. She was just so friendly and fun, and as a young woman who was just learning the concept of "having one's act together," I determined, that whatever that meant, she had it. I have just never, ever forgotten her, her smile, her very cheery way that helped me to feel embraced by my new church friends.
I am just so sorry for all that you must have borne together in recent years, while battling her illness, but please know that we add our prayers to all others in your behalf. We wish you and yours much peace and comfort during this very tender time. And we thank you again for the hand of welcome and friendship you both extended to us so many years ago.
With heartfelt sympathy and warmest wishes,
Rob and Christine Lindsey, Mapleton, Utah
January 18, 2019
Dear Norm and family,
I was saddened to hear of Wendy's passing We began our friendship in Garden Park Ward when we were around 7 or 8 years old. We attended Douglas Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High and East High School together. It was fun to sing in the choirs together as Wendy had a beautiful voice and fun personality. I was hoping to attend the services tomorrow morning by I am also dealing with cancer right now under Hospice care and we aren't having a good week. I send my love and hopes for the comfort of the Spirit to all of you.
Love, Ginger (DeLaMare) Cannon
Robyn Eliason
January 18, 2019
Such a wonderful woman. Norm, my thoughts are with you and your children and their children. You have a lifetime of beautiful memories let them engulf you and propel into tomorrow.
Robyn Rudy Maxfield....
Stephen and Jan Marshall
Jan and Stephen Marshall
January 17, 2019
Darling Wendy! She will always live in our hearts as our dear, faithful, joyful friend. Every Christmas we met as missionary friends of the GAWM mission, where Norm and Stephen served together in Australia with their mission president Richard Marshall. It is a sacred friendship, born and strengthened in the bonds of missionary labors together. Wendy gave herself fully and joyfully to every worthy group in her life, from her incredible sisterhood with her own family, to the sisterhoods she forged with others. She made others comfortable with her accepting, joyful spirit. What a gift she has been to this world. We love you Norm, and all the Nelsons and Maxfields. We will dearly miss our joyful friend Wendy.
TM Gunther
January 17, 2019
I had the chance to work with her in the nursery at church after I graduated high school. She was bubbly and kind, and treated me as an equal as a young woman. She made a profound impact upon me at this younger age. I will be forever grateful for her influence.
Dear Maxfield family our hearts ache for you. She was an angel who lifted all. She will be missed. Sending love and prayers to you at this time.
Bing & Judd Cannon
January 16, 2019
We will always remember Wendy's warmth and beauty during her days at East High School, recognized in the photo of Wendy as Junior Prom Queen.
As you can see from the 1968 Yearbook photo, Wendy and Norm were widely respected and loved by their friends and classmates.
My sister, Joan Cannon (Curtis), an East High friend of Wendy's and Norm's was also lost to horrible cancer some 12 years ago.
Wendy and Joan were exceptional members of the great East class of 1969, and will always be remembered by their dear East High friends, and by those who loved them, and miss them so.
We wish our best to Norm and the entire Nelson Maxfield family, and know you take comfort in the certainty that this parting is only temporary.
Pam Wootton Neumann
January 16, 2019
Since learning of Wendy's passing, the song we sang so many times, "She Walks In Beauty", has been repeating in my mind and heart. Wendy was/is that beauty. All her goodness of soul came through to her outward appearance. I have so cherished the times we spent together in high school, especially Madrigals, singing our hearts out. More recently, we have reconnected in the last few years at the East High ladies luncheons and even just this last fall, delightfully running into each other shopping. (she never told me she was ill.) I am so grateful I got to see her one more time. The empty Madrigal chairs are hard to accept. I take some solace in the privilege of having, in my memory, the fun times we shared and especially the sounds of Wendy's wonderful, joyful laugh. It's the best!!! My most sincere condolences to Norm, her family and extended family. As the lyrics say, "....where thoughts serenely sweet express, how sweet and dear their dwelling place..... a heart whose love is innocent. She walks in beauty!" That is Wendy! How sweet her reunions now, how sweet ours will be one day.
S. G.
January 15, 2019
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. May the fond memories you have of Wendy become your treasure and the support from family and friends give you comfort. May our Heavenly Father sustain your family during this difficult time as well. John 6:40
S. G. , Pa
Linda Ottley
January 15, 2019
Dear Norman and Maxfield and Nelson Families,
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your amazing daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. I know my beloved sister Judy Lyn Sealy Maxfield was there to greet her with hugs as she stepped through the veil and graduated from this University of Life to her new and glorious new birth. I'll bet Judy already has a fun board game going, complete with penny candy treats!!
May your memories keep you warm and may we all cherish the time we have been given, living in love, so we can be with them again and our Savior, Jesus Christ, in our heavenly home through all eternity.
All Our Love,
Dale and Linda (Sealy) Ottley, Highland, Utah
GREGORY RANKIN
January 15, 2019
I first met Norm when I arrived in the mission field in Australia. After returning home, a few of us missionaries living in the SLC/Provo area started getting together on a regular basis several times a year which has lasted to present day. My wife, Joyce, and I always appreciated and enjoyed seeing Wendy and Norm at these get-togethers. Wendy, indeed, had a way of making all feel like a vital part of the group. My wife, who passed away from cancer 5 & 1/2 years ago, was especially fond of Wendy. Those of us still here will miss her greatly; those on the other side of the veil have had a joyous reunion. My heartfelt sympathy and love goes out to you, Norm, and your family; Wendy was a blessing and a delight to know and be around.
Joel and Teri Burnham
January 14, 2019
Norm, We are shocked and so very saddened at the news of Wendy's passing. We have such special memories of the time spent with the 2 of you at Georgetown. What a beautiful person Wendy is inside and out. She was always so full of light and energy and fun, and was always such an example to me as we served together as visiting teaching partners. We send our sincere condolences and love and prayers to you and all of your special family. Love, Joel and Teri
Mark and Karen Harrison
January 14, 2019
We are very sad to hear the news of Wendy's passing. Wendy was everything described as I got to know her when we were roommates in Mexico the summer of her marriage to Norm. We had the privilege of seeing each other as they attended the Arlington Ward when we were home to visit. I know she will be greatly missed. Please accept our deepest condolences.
January 14, 2019
We don't ever remember seeing Wendy without a smile on her face. We had so much fun in Dental School and felt fortunate to live close enough to keep in touch after school. The Christmas family picture is evidence of her exceptional mothering skills as she and Norm guided their sweet family. We will reflect on the tender memories at this sad time. We send our love and prayers to Norm and all the family.
Tom and Daryl Broadbent, Sandy, UT
Brian and Jill Duncan
January 14, 2019
We offer our prayers and condolences to the Maxfield and Nelson families. Our community is richly blessed to have such wonderful and kind people like you. You are amazing examples to us of faith and integrity. May the Lord bless you all at this difficult and sad time.
J. Scott Iverson
January 14, 2019
As one who grew up with Wendy during our halcyon days in Garden Park Ward, I well remember her spirit, vitality, talent and beauty. Though we lost touch in adulthood, I was pleased to hear of her marriage to you, Norm.
Deepest love and sympathies from the Iverson family to yours; but we join with you in rejoicing in the knowledge of her reuniting with friends and family beyond the Veil where her service and labors continue.
Sandy and Brad Hobbs
January 13, 2019
Dear Norm and family, we were very deeply saddened when we learned of Wendys passing. She was a beautiful light and example to all of us. We are very grateful for our many wonderful fun memories with you and Wendy and your cute family in Washington DC. We are so grateful for the privilege of knowing your family. We treasure our precious association. We express our deepest love and heartfelt condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you dearly. Sandy and Brad Hobbs
Karen and Bill Stringham
January 13, 2019
We are saddened by the news of Wendy's passing. We cherish the time we spent at Georgetown with the LDS Dental Medical wives club and Arlington Ward. Our deepest sympathies to you Norm and both your families.
Sincerely, Karen and Bill Stringham
Joan Turley
January 13, 2019
Our family was so saddened to hear of Wendy's passing. I can attest to the beautiful words written above, as Wendy was one of my first friends when we moved into her ward 30 years ago. Wendy was a friendly, kind, welcoming, and compassionate woman. Wendy and I shared pregnancy stories as we were both pregnant with our last child at the same time almost 25 years ago! Although our family moved from that area 20 years ago, we celebrated with each other by attending wedding receptions and exchanging Christmas cards! I will certainly miss Wendy, but can only imagine the joyous reunion that is going on in Heaven with her mother and sister. Norm and family, please know that you are all in our family's thoughts and prayers.
Theresa and Sarah Muir
January 13, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Till you meet again.
Suzanne Hodson
January 13, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about this loss! My heart goes out to each of you. I lost my mom to cancer when she was 56 and I was 17. So grateful for the plan of salvation and the peace the Comforter brings. May God's blessings be with each of you! I hope this song I wrote will bring some comfort and sweet memories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1dTySb2bOg
Barr Petersen
January 13, 2019
Blake and Marissa-
It's been a couple decades since we crossed paths. So sorry to read the news about your mom. May you experience the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" during this time and beyond. My father is resting just across the street from your parent's home having gone through similar illness several years ago. I can only imagine how challenging it is for you right now, each experience being unique.
Lisa Grover-Hanson
January 13, 2019
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Wendy. My heart just broke. ( I remember playing with her if Gloria wasn't available) She is now free of cancer and like the obituary said she is having a great reunion with Emily and her mom. She was a bright spot in everyones' day. I am sure she will be missed.
Love, Lisa Grover Hanson
Jamie Livingstone
January 13, 2019
I lost my mother to cancer a week before my second child was born, 16 years ago. This mother will be one of your greatest angels around you all. I'm so grateful for your families example and being real and putting yourself out there even when it's hard. Thank you for letting us be a part of your sad time so that we can realize we are all here to lift each other up when we are down.
Makayle Smith
January 13, 2019
I am sorry. Earth's loss is heavens gain.
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