Maxine T. Borowiak Rhoades

Maxine T. Borowiak-Rhoades, age 99, of Belleville, IL, formerly of Marion, IL and Ashley, IL, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 6:42 p.m. at Belleville Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois.
She was born on May 17, 1926, in Ashley, Illinois, to Walter and Kaneth (Forys) Borowiak. Maxine graduated from Ashley High School with the Class of 1944. Following her graduation, she pursued nurse cadet training, as it was known during World War II, at the DePaul Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri. As she completed her training, the war ended. In 1947 she received her nursing degree, but was not required to enter military service. In February of 1954, she entered the Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Committed to lifelong learning, she later continued her education at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She worked in hospitals in St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri before leaving the convent in November of 1971.
Maxine then dedicated twenty-six years of service to the Marion V.A. Medical Center. During the final fifteen years of her career, she served as head of the hospital's infection control department. She retired at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, leadership, and compassionate care for veterans.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2001, Maxine married Thomas James Rhoades at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, Illinois. Together, they shared nearly twelve years of marriage filled with companionship and travel until he preceded her in death on May 21, 2013. After his passing, Maxine moved to Belleville, Illinois, where she spent the final twelve years of her life.
A woman of deep faith, Maxine formerly attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion and most recently was a member of The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois.
Music was one of Maxine's greatest passions. She loved playing the organ, piano, and clarinet, and held a minor degree in music. She also found great joy in sewing and other creative pursuits. During their marriage, Maxine and her husband shared a love of travel, journeying throughout Europe, Russia, Mexico, and Spain, and enjoying Mediterranean cruises together.
She is survived by her son, Michael (Barbara) Campeau of Richmond Heights, MO; grandson, Nathan (Marissa) Campeau of Ballwin, MO; great grandchildren, Oliver and Vivian Campeau; step-children, Jeannie Lucas, of Tonawanda, NY, Richard (Jackie) Rhoades of Grand Junction, CO and Jonathan (Robyn) Rhoades of Cape Girardeau, MO; step-grandchildren, Ian (Rachel) Wallace of Gulf Shores AL, Meredith Fournier of Sesser, IL and Arje (Todd) Crawford of St. Charles, MO; niece Sara (Randy) Habbe of Nashville, IL; nephews, Michael (Sherrie) Borowiak of Nashville, IL and Matthew (Terri) Borowiak of St. Louis, MO; as well as many other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Mary Ann Borowiak of Nashville, IL.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be held in the Chapel of the Benedictine Living Community at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, located at 726 Community Drive in Belleville, IL on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed just prior to visitation at 1:00 p.m.
Following the time of visitation, the Mass of Christian Burial will be in the Chapel at 2:30 p.m. with Fathers Lawrence Herzog and Bob Evans celebrating.
Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maxine, please visit our floral store.