Maxine Lord, who was married to former U.S. District Judge Miles Lord for 68 years, died Saturday morning from a number of health conditions. She was 87.
Her husband and children have been well-known attorneys, politicians and community leaders in the Twin Cities for many years. Her son, Jim Lord, served two terms as Minnesota state treasurer before becoming a successful personal-injury attorney. He died last year from a heart attack at the age of 59. Her daughter, Priscilla Lord Faris, ran against Al Franken in the DFL Senate primary election last year. She's also an attorney.
Although Maxine Lord never ran for office or worked in the family's Chanhassen law practice, family members said she was a behind-the-scenes player who contributed to their successes. They described her as wise and politically astute.
"She was the rudder of a wayward political ship," said Miles Lord.
"She was an adviser for several political campaigns," added her daughter Virginia Lord. "We would always go to her for advice, and there was never a decision without her input."
In addition to her husband and daughters, she is survived by a son, Mick Lord, and four grandchildren.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 301 County Road 19, Excelsior. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.
JOSEPHINE MARCOTTY
