Date of Birth: February 11, 1948
Date of Death: August 8, 2018
Maxine Downes (nee Carson) passed away unexpectedly at her home in Winnipeg, Man. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. Maxine was born on Feb. 11, 1948, the second daughter of Earl (deceased 2016) and Audrey (deceased 1962) Carson. Her mother passed away suddenly on Maxine’s 14th birthday while they were residing in Central Butte, Sask.
The family returned to Whitewood, Sask. at this time and Maxine continued her education at Whitewood School. Eventually, Maxine settled in Winnipeg where she was employed as a manager at Monsanto. She travelled a great deal and devoted herself to this position. She received several awards through the company for her achievements in logistics. She was devastated when her position was terminated with the restructuring of the company. She then worked as a bookkeeper for Winnipeg Speedway and also Nisbey Home Renovations in Winnipeg.
Although Maxine had no children, she treasured her niece, Kathy (Kalaman) Armstrong, Kathy’s husband Garland and their two girls, Laurinda and Alyssa, as her own. She never regretted anything she could do to help their family and deeply appreciated all the love and support they gave to her, and especially so in the last few years as her health started to deteriorate.
Maxine was never alone as her love for animals always guaranteed that she had at least one, and often two, dogs as her companions. She also enjoyed many years with a friend at her cabin at Lake of the Woods and enjoyed every moment of their friendship until her friend passed away a few years ago.
Maxine’s health started to deteriorate in the past few years. She was determined to keep her independence and right up to a week before her passing, she told her sister she was determined not to become a “home invalid.” She was becoming accustomed to the oxygen therapy she began in April of this year, but her previous heart attack and compounding problems eventually resulted in her passing.
Maxine was predeceased by her dad, Earl Carson; mother, Audrey Carson; step-mother, Doreen Carson; brothers-in-law, Bob Johnson and Cliff Ashfield; and nephew, Trevor Kalaman.
She is survived by her sisters, Shirley Johnson of Victoria, Elaine Ashfield of Whitewood and Sharon (Rick) Norwig of Wolseley; as well as her nieces and nephews who always enjoyed Auntie Max when she visited. She spoiled them greatly when they were smaller. Her visits with aunt Edna Shepherd and aunt Lil Shepherd were always an enjoyable time on her visits home to Whitewood. Also surviving are aunt, Irene Carson of Whitewood; uncle, Clifford (Jeanne) Carson of Lacombe, Alta.; and several cousins.
Her struggles have now ended and she is now in the arms of the ones that love her. Rest in peace, dear sister.
A service will be decided at a later date. Interment of her cremated remains will take place in the Whitewood Cemetery.
