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Mary Maxwell Obituary
Maxwell, Mary
MADISON - Mary Amanda Wee Maxwell, age 85, died Dec. 28, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare, from lung cancer.
Mary was born in Madison Dec. 19, 1935, to Elizabeth and the Rev. Morris Wee, the pastor of Bethel Lutheran.
She was the oldest of four siblings. Mary spent much of her childhood in Madison. She was valedictorian at Duluth East High School and earned her B.A. at St. Olaf College, 1957. She received her M.S. in social work from UW-Madison, June 8, 1959.
On that same day she married Kenneth T. Maxwell. They had three children. The Maxwells lived in Nigeria for two years, then built a home in Mount Horeb, Wis., where they lived for 40 years. Mary worked for the Madison Schools as a social worker until retiring in 1993. They resided at Oakwood Village in Madison for the last eight years.
Mary was passionate about stewardship of the earth and education, volunteering at Madison School Forest and local nature areas. Mary was a lifelong learner, reading voraciously and traveling globally. Her favorite place on this earth was the family cabin at Kabekona Lake in Minnesota. There she enthusiastically sailed, canoed and swam. Spirituality was an important part of her life, and she treasured her church community. She lived a healthy lifestyle and enjoyed gardening and walking. She fiercely loved her family and friends and maintained written communications regularly.
Mary is survived by her husband, Kenneth; daughters, Elizabeth (Michael) Jorde of Redding, Calif., and Amy (Shawn) Sheley of Elroy, Wis.; AFS son, Ken Kamiti; brothers, David Wee (Karen Herseth) and Morris Wee (Kristine Carlson); grandchildren, Kristan and Sara Jorde, Maxwell and Everett Winters, LeeAnn and Elyssa Sheley; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Scott Maxwell; and brother, Daniel Wee and his wife, Kristin Wee.
Her body has been donated to UW for medical education.
A virtual memorial service will be held Jan. 10, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. Find the link at themcc.net.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Advent Lutheran Church, Friends of Madison School Forest or any charity dear to you.
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave., Madison
(608) 238-8406
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Maxwell
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison - Far West.
5 Entries
Tony Preus
January 10, 2021
Mary and I were good friends 70 years ago, and I remember her fondly.
Lois Carlson Willand
January 9, 2021
Remembering Mary from St. Olaf days of synchronized swimming with the Dolphins. Mary and I chaired one of the annual swim programs. She had such widespread interests, intelligence and enthusiasm for life. My sympathy to her family, especially to those I know--Ken, Morris and Kristine.
Susan Thompson
January 6, 2021
Mary was such an extraordinary woman. My deep sympathy to Ken and their family, and to my college classmates David and Karen and also friends Morris and Kristine. The world is much better because of you, Mary. Thank you.
Ann Marie Zagzebski
January 3, 2021
My condolences go out to Mary's husband and family. I had the privilege of knowing Mary at East High School. She was a kind and good person.
Ann Bolger
January 3, 2021
Mary was the best.
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