Maxine P. Goratowski

I just heard this date that Maxine has passed from this life into eternal life. I served with Maxine in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and remember her as a professional and reliable unit member. She could always be counted on to be diligent and prompt with her work; and this enabled the unit to accomplish its mission for the Coast Guard.
While performing excellent work, she was always friendly and pleasant to be around.
I will always remember her as a dedicated member of our unit. To her other friends and relatives, I know she will be deeply missed.

CDR Tom Johnson, USCGR (RET)

As a fellow Milwaukee County Retiree, I send my sincere condolence to the Goratowski family. Her fine legacy and passion for her family and others will surely be remembered for generations.

Those who fall asleep in death, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15

Gwendolyn Quezaire Retiree 1995 (Courthouse & Welfare Dept.)

I first met "Max" (as i always called her) while I was working at Big Apple Bagels in Hales Corners in about 1999. She would come in every week to pick up sandwiches while on her way to visit her relatives & bring them lunch. (She liked the tuna on egg bagel) She always marveled that I remembered her name & order...but she was such a pleasant lady, it was easy for me to do that. We struck up a friendship that way & I looked forward to her weekly visits. In 2001 I took another job & Max was saddened that I would no longer be at the Bagel shop. We exchanged addresses & became sort of penpals...she was better at it than I, sending cards for almost every holiday. We both celebrate birthdays in September & she always remembered mine Such a nice, kind person she was, always thoughtful & helping others....I loved to hear about her trips to the casino or the Fireside or about her little Frankie. I will always cherish her memory & hope we meet again someday to pick up where we left off

My Mom and Dad became friends with Maxine around thirty years ago. I remember her as a person of faith who always tried to be there for her church, her family, and her friends. Years after my parents passed away, we kept the friendship going ... one of life's little joys that enriched both our lives. Thanks, Maxine, for your sharing and caring ways. Your big heart will be missed.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for all.

You will be missed!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Our condolences to Geraldine and family. We looked forward to Maxines year memories letter at Chrismas, they were a great way to keep up with her full life. May she RIP

I will greatly miss my Friend Maxine. Until we meet again❤