PITTSFIELD – Laura Davis Maxwell, 87, passed away May 29, 2011, at her home on Hamilton Terrace. She was born Oct. 7, 1923, in Machias, daughter of Calvin L. and Alice E. McLaughlin Davis.
Laura graduated from Machias Memorial High School in 1942 and received her diploma from Washington State Normal School, now the University of Maine at Machias. She was a war bride, marrying Lt. Charles William Graham at the Davis home on Dublin Street, Machias, in 1943, just as Charles was to report for active duty in World War II. They were blessed with a son, William Leon Graham, in July 1947. After his service in World War II, “Charlie” continued to serve in the reserves and was called to serve in the Korean War and died in action in 1952 when William was five years old. After her husband’s death, Laura returned to the Washington State Teachers College and completed her Bachelor of Science degree. She taught school in Belfast, Brunswick, Livermore, Livermore Falls and then retired from grade one teaching in Jay in 1979. Laura was a wonderful mother and together she and “Billy” built a life together as she accepted a teaching position in Belfast and then Brunswick, 1955-1960. When she married Edward E. Maxwell, in 1959, she and Billy relocated to Livermore Falls, Edward’s home. Laura was a member of King’s Daughters and Sons, Livermore Falls Historical Society, Women’s Club and Widow’s Club. She was a past president of the B.P.W, and a member of the Women’s Literary Union, Auburn; Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Farmington; Charity Rebekah Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Livermore Falls; Eaton Memorial United Methodist Church – Lydia Circle; National Retired Teachers Association; National Education Association and Retired Maine Education Association. In 2005, Laura moved to Pittsfield to be near her son and family. During her years in Pittsfield, she enjoyed the Tuesday Club, Retired Teachers, Red Hat Society and Women’s Legislative Council of Maine. Laura’s life was a full one. She took great pride in her teaching. She enjoyed traveling, having visited nine countries and 47 of our 50 states. She was an avid reader and looked forward to summer theatre. She simply adored her family. She loved her father, who passed in 1966, and was blessed with a mother who lived to be 102 years old, passing in 2006. She made every holiday very special.
She was a devoted mother to Bill and mother-in-law to Marilyn; grandmother to Kristyn and husband, Joshua, and Charles “Chuck” William Graham II; and great-grandmother to Jordan William and Jillian Jayde Plamondon. She was generous to a fault, personally giving to those who were in need and supporting many charities along the way. Laura leaves many dear friends who continued to enrich her life as each day went by. She was predeceased by Charles William Graham and Edward E. Maxwell; sister, Marcella Davis Wilson; and a special brother-in-law, James William Wilson.
A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at West Kennebec Cemetery, Machias, with the Rev. John Sprague, presiding. Those who wish may send memorial gifts to Pittsfield Public Library, 110 Library St., Pittsfield, ME 04967 or Eaton Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 353, Livermore Falls, ME 04254. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield. To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit
www.shoreynichols.com.