Maxine Lorene Atkinson passed away at Friendship Village Medical Center on October 4, 2010 at the age of 94. Maxine was born September 30, 1916 in Collins, Iowa, to Clara and Arthur Hand. She attended Collins High School where she starred as jump center on the undefeated girls basketball team of 1932. She graduated in 1933 and married her high school sweetheart, Earle, in 1936. They moved to Waterloo, where Earle was employed at Sears, Roebuck & Co. for over 37 years.

Son Stanley was born in 1940, and from 1942-1944 while Earle was fighting in WWII, Maxine and son lived with her parents in Nevada, Iowa, where she worked for R. H. Donnelly Corporation. After the war, Maxine and Earle made Waterloo home, and daughter Sheryl was born in 1948. Maxine resided for 53 years at 438 Auburn Street, losing her husband Earle in 1997. Maxine moved to an independent living apartment at Friendship Village in 2007, where she spent many wonderful outings with her personal companion Irene Averill and sharing stories with her dear lunch table friends.

Maxine and her husband were longtime active members of Grace Reformed Church. They loved traveling and included over the years many trips to California, Pennsylvania and Ohio to visit family, vacationing in Arizona, travels through all 50 states and trips to Canada, Mexico, England and Guam to name a few.

Maxine loved playing cards with friends and neighbors, especially bridge, until failing eyesight prevented it. She enjoyed baking for her family, especially cookies at Christmas, taking pride in her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s lives and accomplishments, and keeping up on politics and world affairs. Maxine loved a lively discussion! She enjoyed countless hours of playing with her adored four-legged dog friend, Oreo. Most of all she loved spending time with her family in Iowa and Ohio, sharing memories and continuing to teach them about life until the end of her days. Maxine was most beloved by family and friends of all ages and a truly remarkable member of The Greatest Generation. She will be deeply missed and always cherished.

She is survived by son Stanley (Jeanne), daughter Sheryl Stoll (Bill); four grandchildren: Randy (Kathy), Rick (Cindy), Lori Pickard (Jim) and Marisa Stoll; six great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Earle, her parents, her brother Frederic, sisters Shirley Smith and Inez Beattie, brother Robert and an infant brother.