Maxine Harris

Surrounded by her family Nana passed away peacefully on Thursday,  July 3, 2014 at the age of 95. The eldest of six children, Maxine was born to Bennie and Henrietta Brownlee in Redcliff, AB. Predeceased by her parents, siblings, husband, William (Bill) Harris; her daughter and best friend, Carol (McNutt); and son, Brent Harris. She certainly endured much loss and heartache over the last 20 years, but never complained.  A strong, stubborn, superstitious nature helped guide her through life’s challenges with dignity and a wee bit of attitude. You always knew where she stood on just about everything, from football to politics. Maxine loved the Calgary Stampede, gardening, sports, (especially Stampeder football games), animals, gambling, high heels, and anything to do with bringing her family together. She was a successful career woman, with most of her years spent with Sears where she made many life long friends. She often said those were the happiest years of her life. Retiring to California in 1978 with Bill and her dog, Buffy, brought new adventures. She found a new love for road trips to Vegas, gambling in style with her sister, Ruth, and brother-in-law, Harry. She loved the LA Dodgers, Sees Candies, and Disneyland!  She and Bill became hardcore NFL and MLB fans and also endured a few earthquakes. After Bill passed away, she returned home to Calgary to “start again” and just like Maxine, who wasn’t ready to take it easy at the age of 62, she got a new fulltime job managing the Info Place at Sunridge Mall. She attended the legion weekly for serious games of shuffleboard with her many friends and lived life to its fullest. Until recently she was on the go wherever and whenever she could, occasionally causing her family to worry. She was always fine and could never understand “what all the fuss was about”. Maxine spent the last 2.5 years with her new “buddies” living at the Silvera Westview Lodge for Seniors, where she was cared for with much love, compassion and kindness. To the staff and residents there, words cannot express how very thankful we are for your support in her final years. Left to miss Maxine dearly are her son-in-law, Ralph McNutt; grandchildren, Todd McNutt (Joanne), Susan McNutt (Brent MacNeil), Nancy Scott (Shanon), and Chere Howard; and eight great grandchildren, Gavin, Kerri, Owen, Tanner, Brittnee, Reese, and Gabe; as well as her treasured niece, Janice “Janny” Wagner. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to her favorite charity, the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110 Ave. SE, Calgary, AB, T2C 2T7, or to Agape Hospice, 1302 – 8 Ave. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1B8, who we can’t thank enough for making her last day so incredibly special out in the beautiful and peaceful garden. A Celebration of her amazing 95 years of Life will be held at a later date, announcement to follow.