Maxine Isaac McCarty

June 9, 1936-February 10, 2026
Maxine Isaac McCarty (née Reich), wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, died February 10, 2026 in Rancho MIrage at the age of 89. Born in Buffalo, NY to Joseph Henry Reich and Tamar Silverman, Maxine moved in 1948 to Los Angeles with her parents and brother (David Elias Reich, d.2019).
Maxine believed passionately in the value of education, devoting her professional career to making it accessible for thousands of people. As one of the country's most respected and seasoned evaluators of foreign credentials and transcripts, Maxine spent more than six decades making it possible for students educated abroad to advance their academic studies in the United States, or to assimilate as recognized and respected professionals in their chosen fields. In recognition of her countless contributions, Maxine was inducted into the TAICEP Hall of Acclaim in 2024.
Maxine loved to cook and recognized the kitchen as the heart of a home. Our matriarch for three decades, she loved hosting family and friends at holidays and special occasions made far more enjoyable for all after the "great kitchen remodel of 2006." Rest assured that her recipe for chocolate nemesis cake is secure in the hands of loved ones.
We will think of and celebrate Maxine's legacy at each Thanksgiving with her wild rice stuffing, holiday season with her Gravenstein apple pie, and during every return trip to France, a place for which she held a special love. She lived there in her youth, graduated from high school, mastered the language, and returned several times in later years to visit and enjoy family.
Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford McCarty. She and Cliff raised three children: Elizabeth (Lisa) McCarty, Nora Schweizer (h. David), and John McCarty (w. Dina). Maxine was also delighted to have welcomed five grandchildren: Christopher Miller (w. Meryl), Sarah Miller, Jessica Schweizer, Emily Schweizer, and Alexandra (Alex) McCarty, as well as two great-granddaughters, Zoe and Merritt Miller. She treasured her extended family, nieces, nephews, and the countless friends who came to be family. In lieu of flowers, we suggest that you celebrate Maxine's life by treating your family and those you love most to an extravagant dinner (hopefully, with an excellent wine). The family will celebrate privately in the same manner.