Maxine Blaine

1921 - 2024

Maxine Blaine passed away on August 4, 2024, aged 102 years, 10 months, 23 days. Maxine was born on September 12, 1921, in Ray County, Missouri, in her parents' farmhouse which had no electricity or running water. She was the last member of the Richmond Missouri High School Class of 1939. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in 1943, she began a career in early childhood education at Community School in St. Louis that would span 43 years. In 1947 Maxine spent a year in England as a Fulbright Scholarship Exchange Teacher. In her retirement she kept up with many of her former students, and enjoyed speaking with several of them on the occasion of her 100th birthday.. Well into her 80s she continued her love of travel, including following the Lewis and Clark Trail to the Pacific Ocean and a long-awaited trip to Israel. Maxine was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for over 80 years. She was also a member of P.E.O. International, Chapter JY. She lived independently and actively until the final weeks of her life. The loving care from the entire staff at the de Greeff Hospice House is much appreciated. Survived by nephews Jerry and Dewey Garrett, and cousins Jo Deen Davis and Christy Cornelius. A Celebration of Life will be held August 17, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman, St. Louis.