MAXINE O'LEARY

Maxine M. O’Leary, of La Conner, died peacefully on Sunday, June 12, the day after being honored on her 98th birthday by family, residents and staff at the La Conner Retirement Inn.

Born in Spokane on June 11, 1918 to George and Martha Bourgois Schmidt, Maxine was the third of four children. Her siblings, all deceased, were: Alice, Elizabeth and Martin Schmidt.

In her early grade school years, the family moved to south Whidbey Island, where Maxine attended school, graduating from Langley High School in 1935. While in high school, Maxine met Mike O’Leary of Oak Harbor, and they married in 1936.

Work for Mike brought them to La Conner, where they raised their daughters and lived out their lives. Mike passed away in January of 1988.

The consummate homemaker, Maxine kept an immaculate house and garden. A perfect day would find her making a pie in the morning and on her knees in the flowerbeds pulling weeds and wiping her brow in the afternoon.

Maxine worked for and retired from the La Conner School District at age 72, following which she continued to work for many years with her daughter Kathy in Kathy’s daycare.

During her children’s school years, Maxine joined other community volunteers checking out and reshelving books at the La Conner Library. Her longevity serves as a testament to a life of hard work and the belief in the importance of family and civic duty.

Maxine is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and Mit Harlan and Kathleen and Joe Thurmond. Maxine leaves behind her very much loved grandchildren and their spouses: Sara Harlan and Dave Ehman; Kate and Brandon Atkinson, Mike and Jennifer Harlan; John and Veronica Thurmond; Matt and Kathryn Thurmond and Adam and Rita Thurmond. She also leaves 17 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

At Maxine’s request there will be no service. Rather, later this year, her family will gather to share stories in celebration of her remarkable life.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at the La Conner Retirement Inn for their abiding care and concern and for giving her a home she loved these past four years. Gratitude is extended to Marcy Shapley for providing Mom with professional, personal health care and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: The La Conner Methodist Church, P.O. Box 43, La Conner, WA 98257 in memory of Maxine O’Leary.