F. Maxine Breen

F. Maxine Breen passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2025, at Stonebridge of Burlington after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by love and care throughout her journey.
Maxine is survived by her cherished family: her son Barry Breen and his wife Carol, her daughters, Susan Nitso and her husband Paul, and Julie Richards and her husband John. She was the proud and loving
grandmother of Greg and Jeff Breen, Samantha and Josh Nitso and his wife Rachel, and Siobhan and Serena Richards. Maxine also leaves behind Mary Ellen Ryan and her family, as well as many nieces and nephews, including Joan Troy, Valerie Faubel, Brock Edmunds, Teddy Edmunds, Michelle Honey and Angie. She will also be missed by her deeply spoiled and much-adored cat, Mary-Kay, fondly nicknamed "Baby".
She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 49 years, Harold F. Breen, her beloved sons Thomas and David Breen, her parents Edward and Frances Edmunds, and her siblings Edward, Alfred, and Phyllis.
Born in Newton, MA, Maxine was raised in Weston, MA, where she developed a love for learning and sports. She excelled in tennis, basketball, and golf while attending Weston Schools. She found joy in outdoor adventures, biking and canoeing along the Charles River, attending dances at Norumbega, and chauffeuring friends and family in her Army surplus Jeep. Maxine graduated from Weston High School in 1949 and graduated from the Kathleen Dell School in 1951. She began her professional career as a reporter before becoming the social editor for a Newton newspaper.
Her love for the beach led her to Cape Cod, where she met the love of her life, Harold. The two married in 1957, beginning their journey together in Burlington, MA where they made many lifelong friends including the Allen's, the Sorli's and the McCann's. Maxine and Harold later returned to Weston to raise their five children. Maxine was a dedicated and active mother, involved in school activities, the PTA, and cheering her children on from the sidelines of their games.
In the 1970s, Maxine embarked on a career in marketing and sales at Smith Kline Beecham, where she worked tirelessly for 25 years until her well-deserved retirement.
A passionate supporter of Boston's sports teams, Maxine cheered on the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and
Patriots. Her enthusiasm for live sports extended to Boston College football, where she attended games and tailgated with family and friends. Her passion for supporting her family was unwavering; she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones and achievements.
Maxine exemplified civic-mindedness through her dedication to volunteering. She generously gave her time to the Weston Council on Aging, Weston Public Library, Girl Scouts, Weston Town Hall, Weston Drama Workshop, the Friendly Society, Weston Emergency Reserve Corps, church fundraisers, and local food and soup kitchens.
A talented cook, Maxine shared her delicious creations at bake sales and delighted loved ones with her homemade whoopie pies, cherry pies, and her famous grape jelly and marmalade. Her passion for gardening extended to cultivating a thriving oasis at home, complete with herbs and vegetables. She delighted in watching and feeding the birds, squirrels, and raccoons that visited her many feeders.
Maxine, an admirer of the arts, cherished music, theater productions, and creative pursuits like painting, knitting, sewing custom clothing, crafting costumes, and making quilts for her family and friends. Her love of books extended beyond herself, as she shared it through her involvement in a book club and by reading stories to her grandchildren. Maxine delighted in caring for and nurturing her grandchildren, inspiring joy and curiosity through arts and crafts, puzzles, baking, shared outings, and imaginative adventures. Together, they explored zoos, parks, beaches, area farms and theater arts, creating lasting memories through games, shared stories, and playful learning
Travel was a source of happiness for Maxine, who enjoyed annual family trips to Cape Cod and the islands. She explored most of the United States and visited destinations like Canada, Cancun, Aruba, and Jamaica, savoring the beaches and cuisines of each place.
Maxine's life was a testament to love, creativity, and service to others. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and an enduring commitment to family and community.
Visitation and a funeral service will be held at the Newton Cemetery Chapel, 791 Walnut St., Newton Center, MA, on April 11th, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are under the care of Burke &
Blackington Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Maxine's memory may be made to the Audubon Society or your local PBS
station.