Mary
“Maxine” Elliott, 94, former local resident, passed away on August 4, 2013 at
her residence in Lemont, Illinois.
The
daughter of the late William and Kathryn McCaffrey, Maxine was born on May 7,
1919 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was raised
in Hartford City and after graduating from Hartford City High School in 1937
began working in the Insurance Industry.
She
married Wallace “Raymond” Elliott on June 28, 1943 in Indianapolis at Fort
Benjamin Harris Army Chapel. Married for 62 years, Maxine and Ray raised their
three children, Michael, Stephen and Mary Kay together with an Army life which
took them many places throughout the country, including a three year assignment
in Orléans, France. Colonel Elliott’s
death occurred on April 4, 2005.
A member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
and the Altar-Rosary Society she was a devout Catholic whose moral goodness and
kindness was a testimony of her Catholic Faith. She was a member of the
Blackford County Hospital Auxiliary, Co-founder of New-To-You Thrift Shop and
an Honorary member of Psi Iota Xi Sorority which was founded by women joining
together to make a difference in the lives of individuals one community at a
time.
Nurturing
Mother of three children, Michael Elliott, Burr Ridge, IL, Stephen Elliott, Oak
Lawn, IL and Mary Kay Elliott, Darien, IL. Proud Grandmother of Michelle
(Elliott) Thierry and Danielle (Elliott) Peterson both of Marquette, MI, and
Nicole and Chad Elliott of Frankfort, IL. Delighted Great-Grandmother of four.
Devoted Sister to Patricia “Tish” A. Schantz and adoring Aunt to many special
nieces and nephews.
In
addition to her husband and parents, Maxine is preceded in death by her brother
William McCaffrey and two sisters, Rita Jean Westrick and Catherine Rosemond
McCaffrey.
Throughout
her life she endured life-threatening illnesses, but her will to live,
unwavering faith in God and the prayers and love of her devoted husband, family
and friends carried her through and beyond to many more wondrous years.
Maxine’s
virtuous gift of joy will never be forgotten. She was a loving, giving woman
who always looked at the bright side of things and the goodness in all
people. She was a proud wife of an Army
Colonel who walked through life with grace and dignity.
Our
hearts are broken but we are forever grateful, honored and blessed to have been
a part of your life and we will miss you with immeasurable sadness!
To
all she loved, of course you know, she loved you ‘A Bushel and a Peck and a Hug
around your Neck! You bet your Pretty Neck she did!
A
Christian wake service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, August 8 in Waters
Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City. Friends may call from 4:00
– 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The
Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of her life will be at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, August 9, 2013 at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church, 209 S. Spring
Street, Hartford City with Father Dave Newton presiding. Burial will follow at
Hartford City Cemetery.
Memorials
are requested to Blackford Community Foundation in lieu of flowers.
