Maxine L. Smith

Maxine Libbie Smith, age 79, of Appleton, went to be with her Lord in Heaven on March 28, 2009 after a brief stay at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Maxine was born in Kewaunee, WI on July 23, 1929 to the late Joseph and Roxanna (Seidl) Lichterman. She was the Salutatorian of the class of 1947 at Kewaunee High School. She attended Beloit College where she was active in the Beloit Players, played on the basketball team, and was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. Maxine returned to college after her children were in school, and completed a Bachelors Degree Cum Laude at UW Green Bay. She later earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from UW-Oshkosh.

On June 28, 1950 Maxine was united in marriage to Raymond Meredith Smith in Kewaunee, WI. He preceded her in death December 24, 1994.

Maxine's professional life was one of service. She held positions as the Field Director for Fox River Area Girl Scouts and Assistant Director for the Area Agency on Aging. She was an insurance representative for ERA, worked in the Research and Development Department at AAL (Thrivent), and was the Executive Director for the Red Cross in Manitowoc County. Maxine was a faithful member of First Congregational United Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School, accompanied the youth choirs, and served on numerous committees. She also served as the organist at the Christian Science Church in Appleton. She was a past board member of Pastoral Counseling Center (Samaritan Counseling).

She was a Girl Scout leader, taught piano lessons, and was an avid reader. She wrote poems for everyone on special occasions. In her earlier years she enjoyed camping and travel with her husband and children. Her biggest accomplishment was to put her love of learning into action and inspire others to do the same.

Maxine is survived by her three children: Michael (Emily) Smith, Mt. Horeb, WI, Nada (Joel) Newcomb, and Andrew Smith, both of Neenah; four grandchildren: Gwen (Dustin) Roman, Lindsay, Molly, and Hanna Newcomb; and other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service for Maxine will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009 at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 724 East South River Street, Appleton. Rev. Jane B. Anderson will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

A memorial fund has been established in Maxine's name for the music program at First Congregational UCC, Congregational Church, Kewaunee, and the Fox River Area Girl Scouts.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at St. Elizabeth Hospital for kind and loving care and support.

Wichmann Tri-County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Menasha, 831-9905