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.