Patricia Grace Maxeiner

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Maxeiner, Patricia Grace (McKeon) 89, of Fort Myers, FL, left the loving arms of her family on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Patricia was born on July 15, 1924 in Montgomery, MN to Dr. Joseph and Grace (Sullivan) McKeon. Patricia graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree and membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She worked as a social worker in New York City before moving to Edina, MN, to marry and raise her family. There, in addition to being a full time mom, she tutored high-risk students in reading and math, and founded the non- profit corporation, the Adoption Option Committee, Inc. (currently known as the highly successful Adoption Option Council of Minnesota). Patricia relocated to Southwest Florida 30 years ago, and became a resident of Sanibel Island and later Fort Myers, FL. She served as a volunteer and community leader in The Shell Museum, COTI (Council of the Islands), BIG-Arts, and the Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron. She belonged to the parish community of St. Isabel Catholic Church in Sanibel. Patricia will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Dr. S.R. Maxeiner, Jr. (Bob); daughter, Madeline "Maddy" Maxeiner and son-in-law, Tom Mahoney; daughter, Margaret Duxbury (David); daughter, Melissa Grace Kodaly (Kryss); and 5 grandchildren: Nicole Marie Duxbury, Christine Melissa Duxbury, Jacob Han Duxbury, Mischa Fisher (Amber Rockliffe) and Heather Grace Fisher, and the Murphy kids-her treasured nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Jonah T. Fisher, by her brother James McKeon, and her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Mary (McKeon) Murphy and William J.D. Murphy. Tricia, a steel magnolia, taught us that one can be both fiercely independent and heart-and-soul committed to family. Over her 66-year marriage she shared many adventures with Bob. Her entire family felt the warmth of her fierce loving protection. From her insight and faith came simple but profound wisdom that provided steady light in times of trial. She could find the ridiculous in the most frustrating or humiliating situation-if you listened carefully enough. She did not insert herself into the situation, just offered 'opinions' from the sidelines that could reduce us to hilarity. She never spoke ill of others, no matter what. She was feisty, opinionated, deeply loving, funny, elegant, and a pillar of strength and grace. We will miss her forever. A memorial Mass was held on May 27, 2014. at St Patrick's Church, Edina, with private interment at Lakewood Cemetery. A celebration of her life is planned on July 15, the date of her 90th birthday, at Lewis Ridge, 7250 Lewis Ridge Parkway, Edina, from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be sent to Adoption Option Council of Minnesota, P.O. Box 75, Elk River, MN 55330; or to the Maxeiner Family Scholarship at University of Minnesota, Morris, Welcome Center, 600 East 4th Street, Morris, MN 56267. gillbrothers.com Minneapolis 612-861-6088

Published on June 1, 2014