Maxine Lois Wirth Lawrence
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 12:04 PM PDT
Maxine Lois
Wirth Lawrence
June 6, 1929 - Oct. 19, 2009
Ironside
Maxine Lois Wirth Lawrence died Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at home in Ironside with her beloved husband, Joe ,and her daughter, Judi, at her side. Born June 6, 1929, in Malheur City, Ore., to George and Doris Wirth. Delivered by her Grandfather, Dr. Jacob B. White (“Doc”).Some of Maxine’s fondest memories were of her childhood in Malheur City. From going on medical rounds with “Doc” at an early age, playing on the “Rock Pile,” to riding her horse, Chiquita to school with her cousins. Tragically, her mother died of scarlet fever when Maxine was only 6 years old. Her newborn brother died the previous day, at birth. Having also had scarlet fever, Maxine was plagued with hearing loss for most of her life but never let that or much of anything, get her down. From age 6 to 9, Maxine spent much of her time alternating from logging camps with her father to staying on the farm on First Creek with her paternal grandparents, Will and Anna Wirth. At the age of 9, her father married Gladys Self. From that union, Maxine was joined by siblings, Frances, Emil, Nada Marcia and Ronald who died as an infant. As a teenager, Maxine lived with the Hammack and Cammann families in Jamieson, working for her room and board, but always considered them much more than employers. They too, were her extended family.
After she opened her care center in Nyssa, she felt honored to have Lester Hammack in her care for a time. After graduation from Vale Union High School in 1947, Maxine attended beauty school in Nampa and worked as a hairdresser for a time.In 1948, she married (Robert) Dale Browning, in Walla Walla, Wash. To that marriage, four children were born: Mike (Diane) Browning of Seneca, Ore., Judi Browning of California. Pat Browning, of Unity, Ore., and Tom Browning, deceased.fter 10 years, this marriage ended in divorce. Maxine enjoyed working at Ore-Ida for a few years and made many lifelong friends there.
On Sept. 3, 1960, Maxine married the love of her life, Joe Lawrence, in Payette, with Dan and Colleen Lawrence in attendance. It was a ceremony fraught with calamity, and the family has enjoyed hearing the “wedding story” for years. Joe and Maxine moved to Ironside shortly after their marriage. One year later their son, Danny, was born. Maxine was never afraid of hard work and could be found working right along with Joe, haying or feeding cattle. In 1969, they began operating Lawrence Logging. Maxine was an active member of the company, from piling brush to parts runner to bookkeeping. After Joe’s retirement from the logging company, Maxine ventured into what she was born to do, senior adult care. She owned and operated Lawrence Home Care and Thunderegg Care Center in Nyssa for nearly 20 years.Every resident became her family as she cared for them with love and compassion. She was an excellent cook, seamstress and caregiver who always put others’ needs first. Her laughter and wit will forever be remembered by all who knew her. She never knew a stranger and could be seen visiting her way through the mall, often having no idea who the people were. She had that special “something” that people were drawn to.After retiring from the care home, Maxine sold the place in Nyssa and returned to Ironside full time. She loved spending time with “Papa” and would go with him as he checked his trap line. They spent their time visiting with close friends, neighbors and family.As her health declined, she required part-time care and was fortunate to have her granddaughter, Erin, step in to help Joe fulfill the caretaker role, which she did with the same love and compassion Maxine always showered on others. Right up till her last day on Earth, she never failed to tell us how much she loved us and to thank us for anything we did for her.
Maxine is preceded in death by her mother, Doris; father, George; step-mother, Gladys; infant brother; son, Tom, who died at age 14 in an accident; granddaughter, Kristin; grandparents, Will and Anna Wirth and Doc and Myrtle White; brother-in-law, Dan Lawrence; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves behind her husband of 49 years, Joe Lawrence; four surviving children; 14 grandchildren; and 24, great-grandchildren.At her request, there will be no funeral service; however, a memorial service is planned for a later date.
The family wishes to thank Erin Cantrell for the loving care she bestowed on her “Grammy Maxine.” and Teresa of XL Hospice, friends, family and neighbors who have been here to help with everything. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Malheur Historical Society or to your favorite charity. Condolences to the family may be made at www.lienkaemper-thomason.com.
