Maxine Eldeen Murray, (Lemire, (nee Stone) passed away peacefully in Dawson Creek, BC, after a brave battle with cancer. Maxine is survived by her siblings, Bonnie Stone of Fort St John, BC, Jim Stone of Sorrento, BC, and Gerry Stone & Jodi Stone (sister-in-law) of Andrew, Alberta, as well as her step-children, Gary Lemire, and Paula Huston (nee Lemire)of Fort St John. Maxine also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Maxine was predeceased by her parents Cliff and Cavell Stone, her two sisters,
Gail Kohuch and Elinor Grant, her first husband, Vern Murray, and her second spouse, Philip Lemire.
Maxine, who was the eldest child of six, was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba on July 31st, 1938 and spent her early years there. In 1949 the family moved to Destruction Bay, mile 1083 on the Alaska Highway,they moved again in 1952, this time to
Fort St. John, BC. Maxine graduated from North Peace Senior Secondary School in 1956. In her younger years Maxine followed a career in nursing which led her to many locations in Western Canada for her training and employment. In 1971 Maxine was married to Vern Murray, who subsequently died in 1975, Maxine then worked for various employers as a cook in the oilfield camps in Northern BC. In 1981 Maxine met up with the love of her life, Philip Lemire, with whom she shared 15 years of her life in a boisterous and happy relationship, they travelled together extensively in BC and Alberta until Philip or “Curly” passed in 1997. In 2003 Maxine moved to Tumbler Ridge where she lived, tending to her garden and loved ones until 2008 when health issues forced her to move to Dawson Creek where there was better access to medical care.
Maxine was a voracious reader with an inquiring, liberal mind, She loved shopping and garage sales.
Maxine loved her flower garden and the numerous feline and canine family members she had in her life over the years, Maxine’s kitty “Max” was her companion at the end. Maxine also loved canning fruits and vegetables, and the pies she made were the stuff of family legend. Maxine had a large network of family and friends that she loved dearly and who returned her affection. Maxine embraced the trials towards the end of her life in the same courageous manner and with the good humour that she showed throughout her entire life. Maxine will be missed by many.
The family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful nurse’s at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital, particularly Dr. Pilgrim and Dr. Poppa.
At Maxine’s request there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers and cards, please donate to your favourite charity. Memories and condolences can be sent to InMemoryofMaxine@gmail.com. Your sharing of your memories of Maxine would be greatly appreciated.