Maxine G. Cristy

Maxine Cristy's Funeral Service Video
The world lost a beautiful soul on Thursday, May 23, 2024, when our mother and grandmother, Maxine Gaddis Cristy, rejoined her beloved husband, Jim, in heaven after a brief illness.
Maxine was born on September 12, 1927, in New London, Wisconsin. She grew up with her mother and stepfather, Ruth and Tom Smith, on a farm just outside of New London. There, they raised horses and other livestock and crops. They spent summer weekends competing in harness racing competitions throughout Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
Maxine attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where she obtained her teaching certificate. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse right next door to her family's farm, before moving to Lincoln School in New London to teach kindergarten.
She married the love of her life, James Cristy, on November 20, 1955, and left full-time teaching to stay at home and be a housewife. Motherhood followed with the birth of her son, James Thomas, in 1960, and daughter, Martha Jeanne, in 1964. She enjoyed many activities during those years, including being a scout leader, bridge clubber and volunteer for church and various other organizations. She was often volunteered by her children (sometimes at the last minute) to chaperone school activities. She also served as a substitute teacher in the New London School District.
In 1983, when Jim passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55, Maxine made the difficult decision to close the family business (Cristy's Department Store) and go back to UW Oshkosh to finish her 4-year Bachelor's Degree in Education. Upon graduating, there just "happened" to be a vacancy in the kindergarten classroom at Lincoln School. In fact, it was the very same classroom she taught in prior to her marriage. We believe God's hand was in there somewhere. She taught many years at both the old and new Lincoln Schools until her retirement in 1995. She was even selected as the Teacher of the Year in 1991. She continued to serve as a substitute teacher well into her 80's.
Maxine loved to travel and together with her buddy, Gloria, travelled the world – China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and South America were some of her favorite destinations. She even went on a bicycling adventure across France with an elder travel group when she was 70 years old.
Maxine was also an avid reader, fabulous cook, music lover and dancer. She was a lifelong member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in New London, where she sang alto in the choir, taught Sunday School, and worked with the Youth Club. She also loved volunteering at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, where she met many wonderful people.
Maxine is survived by her son, Tom (Mary) Cristy; daughter, Martha (Dan) Bednarowski; granddaughters, Gretchen Bednarowski, Julia Bednarowski, Rachel Bednarowski Pope (Gavin), Samantha Cristy, and Madeline Cristy; great-grandchildren, James and Aurora Bednarowski; exchange son, Dr. Thomas Lam (Australia); exchange daughter, Sirpa Merisalo (Finland); exchange son, Albrecht Dudy (Germany); nephew, Jeff (Barb) Roemer and niece, Mary (David) Steel.
Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Ruth and Tom Smith; her sister, Jeanne Norvell, and sister and brother-in-law, Donald and Alice Roemer.
The Funeral Service honoring Maxine will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in New London. The visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Floral Hill Cemetery, New London.