Maxine F. Stringer

Maxine F. Stringer, 92, died peacefully at her own home in the early hours of March 8, 2015, where she was cared for by her daughter, Pat, her granddaughter, Wendy, and a team of loving care-givers. Providence Hospice was exceptional in providing support for Maxine and her family. She was born in 1922 in Snohomish, Washington to Oreland and Sylvia Hornibrook. She attended Snohomish schools, Everett Junior College and Central Washington College of Education (now Central Washington University). In 1943 she married Vern, the love of her life while he was home on leave. She completed her degree and graduated in August of 1945. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Snohomish, instrumental in the development of the Snohomish Senior Center, a staunch supporter of the Everett Gospel Mission, a long-time member of ADK and in retirement she sewed clothing for and dressed hundreds of dolls over the years to distribute to children in need for the Salvation Army. She taught pre-school, Kindergarten and first grade for the Snohomish School District. Over the years she was intrepid and creative in such spaces as church basements and original, divided and re-modeled classroom spaces. Together, she and Vern had four children, Gayle (Nancy), Alan (Nancy), Pat (Bruce), and Shirley (Ron). She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Vern; her daughter, Shirley Stringer-Heller; her sister, Lois and her brother, Bob. In addition to children Gayle, Alan and Pat, she is survived by her sister, Marilyn Fankhauser (Don); grandchildren, David Heller, Wendy Lervick, Neil Boyer (Cindy) and great grand children, Cheryl, Amanda and Kendell Lervick, and Alex and Abby Boyer. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Snohomish, 1306 Lakeview Ave., Snohomish on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. with luncheon to follow. She will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Snohomish. Two causes close to Maxine's heart were education and the Food for Hope Program at the Everett Gospel Mission. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the education scholarship fund at the First Presbyterian Church of Snohomish and the Everett Gospel Mission Food for Hope Program that is run by one of her former kindergarten students. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.