Maxine Smith Besosa

Maxine Smith Besosa, 81, of Bedford, Va., was mercifully called to eternal rest on Thursday, September 25, 2008. She is survived by her caring husband of 57 years, Sheridan Besosa; daughter, Carla Besosa, of Alexandria, Va.; sister, Patricia Smith Wallner, of Marietta, Ohio; nephew, John Wallner, of New Baltimore, N.Y.; and her niece, Kathleen Wallner Allen and her husband, Richard Allen, of Annandale, Va. Maxine was born in Valparaiso, Ind., in 1927 and shortly thereafter the family moved to Marietta, Ohio, where she lived until she went to the University of Michigan and obtained her bachelors in Spanish in 1949. She was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and was made a member of the Order of the Rose for 50 years of service. She moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked in the Library of Congress and later met her husband, Sheridan Besosa. They married in 1951. In 1958 she gave birth to their only daughter, Carla, and devoted subsequent years to being a loving mother. She was active in PTA, bowling, square dancing, bridge, and loved doing crossword puzzles. She provided tremendous support to her husband and daughter in every aspect of their lives. After moving to Rehoboth Beach, Del., in 1982, she was an active member of the Lioness Club and received awards for her contributions. She was also active in the Lions Club, the Elks, and the Village Improvement Association. In 2000, Maxine and Sheridan moved to the Elks National Home in Bedford, Va., to enjoy their golden years. She will always be remembered for being a devoted wife and caring mother. She was friend to many and loved by all. A Celebration of Life in her memory will be held 2 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2008, in the Lodge Room of the Elks National Home in Bedford, Va. Officiating will be Father Stephen McNally. Following the service friends are invited to join Maxine's family for refreshments in the café area of the Dining Room. Interment will be private. Memorial gifts may be made to "Special Care Benefits Fund," Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Ave., Bedford, Va. 24523. Arrangements by BurchMessier Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 317 W. Main St., Bedford, Va., 540-586-7360