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Maxine D. Free passed away early Saturday morning, May 5. 2012 in Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm, BC

The funeral service will be held from St. John’s Anglican Church on Friday afternoon, May 11th at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Canon Barbara Stewart officiating. Tributes will be shared by granddaughters Kaitlyn Hamelin and Nicole Murdoch. Interment will follow in the family plot in Mt. Ida Cemetery, followed by a reception back in the Parish hall at St. John’s.

Born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan on November 5, 1927, Maxine came to Salmon Arm in 1967 and quickly became active in the community. Memories shared by friends in an old Observer Salute to community workers include; If someone needs help physically, mentally, or spiritually, Maxine will help them; As a member of St. John’s Anglican Church Women’s guild she goes to Bastion place to assist, is a Reader, A Communion Assistant; Maxine expresses her faith through her actions; A very selfless person who always seems to be giving to about 10 people at a time; She is an amazing person with an amazing amount of energy; she belongs to Hospice and often spends time in the evening sitting with terminally ill. Maxine worked for years in the Thrift store, doing whatever was asked.

Maxine always had an open door for assisting anyone in need; she housed many foster children, never turning anyone away that needed help. Maxine was always up to something, kids of all ages were drawn to her. She was a strong influence with her family, extended family and particularly her grandchildren.

Maxine worked for Special Services to Children, which she found very rewarding. After retiring from the Ministry of Social Services she worked for the Shuswap School District with special needs children until forced to retire at the age of 72 years.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Free on April 23, 1984.

Maxine leaves her loving family, two daughters, Susan (Aurel) Hamelin and Sandi (Brad) Murdoch both of Salmon Arm; 5 grandchildren, David (Danella), Kaitlyn (Mike), Lindsay, Keelan (Chelsea) and Nicole; 6 great grandchildren, Cameron, Braydon, Alexzander, Julianna, Azera and Jeridan. The middle of 12 children, she also leaves brother and sisters, Don Hill of Coleman, Alta, Muriel Pennycook of Carrot River, Sask, Shirley Hay of Edson, Alta; and Cora Hill of Prince Albert, Sask; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Shuswap Hospice Society, Box 967, Salmon Arm, BC VIE 4P1 in honor of Maxine Free.

The girls express gratitude to the Doctors, Nurses and Hospital staff for all the wonderful and dedicated care given to their mother in Shuswap Lake General Hospital.

Email condolences may be sent to Maxine’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.



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