MADGE E. MAXELL

FALMOUTH – Madge E. Maxell died Nov. 2, 2008, at her residence at Oceanview, Falmouth. She was born Aug. 1, 1909, in Cherryfield, the daughter of James and Mable Dorr Hart, and graduated from Deering High School in 1926. On Aug. 1, 1932, the Rev. Alton E. Maxell and Madge were married in Bar Mills where they began their ministry together throughout Maine, which lasted 66 years. Augusta was their home during a 10-year pastorate at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church and they lived there in retirement until Alton’s death in 1998. Madge moved to Oceanview Retirement Community in 2000, where she lived the remainder of her life continuing to be a positive influence on her new friends. Through her prolific computer letter writing on her loon motif stationery, she kept in close touch with her many old friends in Maine and beyond. Madge was a very active pastor’s wife in the churches her husband pastored. Covering a period of 23 years working on the state level, she was co-organizer and first president of Minister’s Wives Fellowship of Maine, president of American Baptist Women of Maine, first woman president of American Baptist Churches of Maine, and chairperson of Committee of Fifteen, which surveyed and restructured the American Baptist Churches of Maine. For 11 years Madge worked on the national level as executive committee member of American Baptist Churches, USA; a member of World Relief Committee, Standing Rules Committee, Board of International Ministries and Study Commission on Regulations, which restructured the American Baptist Churches, USA; and served as first vice president and program chairperson of American Baptist Women, USA. Madge, herself, said, “The state and national work has been over and above service. I believe, implicitly, that the work in the local church as pastor’s wife, bible teacher and devotional speaker is the most important contribution one could make to Alton’s 66 year ministry.” Madge is best remembered for “The Children’s Minute” that she wrote and presented at the worship service in the churches Alton served. She had an unsurpassed intellect and interest in the world around her and an uncanny way with words, spoken and written. Madge is survived by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Route 88, Falmouth. There will be a private committal service at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the memorial fund of Penney Memorial United Baptist Church, 35 Grove St., Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com