Anita Maxwell

Anita Maxwell
Newport
Anita Maxwell, 78, a local farmer, politician, real-estate agent, and beloved mother and grandmother, passed away Saturday morning, November 13, 2010, at Faxton-St. Lukes Healthcare, New Hartford, following a long battle with cancer. Anita was born August 4, 1932, to Dominick and Josephine (Mammone) Jiampietro. She lived her early years on a small farm in Deerfield, and Anita assisted her father on the farm before and after school. Her father became a successful businessman, starting the Utica Alloys Company, which her brother Joseph took over after his death. She attended country schoolhouses until the ninth grade, when she attended Whitesboro High School. She graduated in 1949, and then married Edward Maxwell in October of that year. They lived in the Little Falls-Manheim area for several years operating dairy farms. Edward and Anita bought a dairy and beef farm in Newport, which they have owned and operated for more than fifty years. Anita was involved in farm politics and held office in numerous organizations, including being president of the Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) Group and serving on the board of directors for the National Farmers Organization (the first woman elected to such a position) and on the New York State Medical Farm Review Board. For many years, Anita was the editor and owner of the Farmers Freedom Press, a newspaper dedicated to the concerns and struggles of family-run farms. Anita grew up in a political family, as both her father and brother held numerous positions in the city, county, and state Democratic Party. She ran for U.S. Congress in 1976 and for the New York State Senate several years later. Anita also had her own real-estate company, Anita Maxwell Real Estate, from the mid-eighties until her recent health decline. Anita lived a robust life, and even when involved in all of these activities, would still be doing manual labor on the family farm. On several occasions, she would give a speech, campaign, write an article, or even give birth hours after completing daily chores. She is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-one years, Edward Maxwell; and their eleven children, Kathleen Bernstein of Marcy, Richard Maxwell of Newport, Maria (John) Johnson of Alabama, Mike (Teri) Maxwell of Liverpool, Patrick (Debbie) Maxwell of Newport, Josephine (Ric) Coleman of Newport, Thomas (Terri) Maxwell of Guilderland, Colleen Maxwell of Newport, Edward (Cindy) Maxwell of Newport, Danny Maxwell of Newport, and Christopher (Tracy) Maxwell of Newport; a loving brother, Joe (Joanna) Jiampietro of Florida; step-mother, Helen Jiampietro of Utica; a brother, Dominick Jiampietro, Jr., of Salisbury; a sister, Margaret Palladino of Boston; thirty-one grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. Anita was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Gloria Meyers; and a son-in-law, Norman Bernstein. Anita will be sorely missed at local high school functions-musicals, parades, concerts, and particularly sporting contests where she would support her grandchildren and their friends-as well as church and community events. She was especially proud of the participation of her children, grandchildren, and other family members in West Canada Valley School functions. Anitas devotion to her family and community was unwavering, and earned her the respect and love of countless people she encountered in her many travels and endeavors. From farmers having financial or health issues, to young couples looking for homes, to individuals seeking jobs, to babysitting, Anita was always willing to help out. Her most precious moments were spent cooking and having Sunday dinners with her family, and there was always room for one more at the table. Anita said that her greatest accomplishment in life was raising her children and grandchildren. The family would like to thank Anitas caregivers, and the Bernstein family for their hospitality. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Johns Church, Newport on Thursday at 11 a.m. with Father William A. Gorman, Pastor, officiating. Interment in St. Johns Cemetery, Newport, will take place at the convenience of the family. Calling hours at the Autenrith Funeral Home, 7479 Main Street, Newport will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, the West Canada Boosters Club, or a charity of your choice are appreciated. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online tributes at: www.autenrithfuneral.com
Anita Maxwell