Mom's mind was a planning machine attached to an engine accelerator nobody could find the slow down switch for. Like most mothers she was ready for anything. Her purse was a first aid kit, sewing kit and drug store. We relied on her for it all. She was an artist, a nature lover and the very atomization of empathy. Mom valued originality and was fantastically silly and whimsical. Though not religious, she scotch-taped pictures of various saints on the fridge beside pictures of my sister and me - her love for us bigger than her cynicism. She was a quiet observer who beheld animals and humans with the same anthropological distance but thought animals were better, especially crows and squirrels. Never having had the opportunity to attend university, the internet changed mom's life. We liked working through big ideas with her and there was no one more ready to crack the code - the galaxy, sci-fi, a good political conspiracy. Our mom was complicated and easy to misunderstand. She had a strong distaste for popular sentimentality and never saw the allure of positive thinking as so many North Americans do. We're sure there are childhood friends long since scattered, who remember talking to our mom and feeling seen more fully than they had been before. We will miss her warm eyes, paying wonderful attention to us - caring, amused and maternal.
On April 30, 2022 in her seventy-eighth year, Maxine passed from this life in Toronto. Loving mother to her treasured daughters Allison Houghton and Meghan Houghton of Toronto. Formerly of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where she was predeceased by her husband Albert (Al) Houghton, (2012), and her parents Russell and Eileen Nass. Daughter-in-law to the late Eileen Haswell. Daughter-in-law to the late Albert Houghton, Sr. and late Anne Houghton.
Sister-in-law of Elizabeth (Ron) Ceci, Brampton; Cathy (Alan) Rowlinson and Laurie (Albert) Hubley of Sault Ste. Marie; Auntie Max to nieces Michelle, Gianna, Daniella, Karen and nephew Ian. Adored cousin of Margaret, Sharon, Judy, Brian and David. Lifelong friend of Beverlee. Maxine, Maxie, Max will be remembered by family and friends in the Sault, Ottawa Valley, Toronto, UK and USA.
A special thank-you to the team at Copernicus Lodge who cared for mom around the clock. You anointed her with the Polish name "Maxima", sang songs to her and regularly brightened her day.
In keeping with Maxine’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be a formal service. A small gathering for family and friends will take place this summer. Those who wish to donate in remembrance may do so directly to The Parkinson Foundation of Canada.
Memories and photos at: https://everloved.com/life-of/maxine-houghton/