Big Bay––– LeMoigne
D. Maxey, former longtime resident of the Big Bay community,
was called to eternal life at the age of 92 in Prescott,
Arizona, on February 7, 2007.
“Maxey” was born September 8, 1914, in Santa
Maria, California. Maxey began life on the West Coast where
she graduated from high school, married, and later divorced.
She worked as a production manager for many years prior
to moving to Big Bay. The move to Big Bay was prompted by
her decision to care for a sick friend, Mary Button. Maxey
and Mary settled on the Lake Superior Shore at Big Bay.
Her friend, Mary Button, taught for many years at the grade
school in the community. After Maxey’s retirement,
Maxey and Mary moved to Prescott, Arizona, where Maxey lived
for 21 years. Maxey was a very active member, and lay minister,
of St. Mary’s Parish in Big Bay, also devoting her
energies as a lay minister at Sacred Heart Church in Prescott.
Maxey taught herself carving, a hobby that began during
the long winter season in Big Bay. She began to hand carve
candleholders, using Lake Superior driftwood, oak, and other
woods at hand. Later, while residing in Prescott, a special
story concerning her woodworking talents was featured in
the Prescott Daily Courier in 2003. The article mentioned
how she would carve a big batch of candleholders then pack
them up in a suitcase and make the rounds to various candle
shops in town.
Maxey’s remains were cremated in Prescott. A Memorial
Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church in Big Bay on Saturday, May 19, at 11:30
am by her long time friend and pastor of many years, Rev.
Lawrence Gauthier. Inurnment will be made in the Powell
Township Cemetery, Big Bay.


