Maxine M (Smith) Howard

Maxine Mae (Smith) Howard, age 92, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Oaklawn Health Care Center, Mankato, Minnesota.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date with interment at Woodville Cemetery, Waseca. Mankato Mortuary is handling all arrangements. Memorials to Mankato's Echo Food Shelf are welcome.

Maxine was born on July 6, 1917 in Waseca, MN to Clarence and Minnie Smith. She graduated from Waseca High School and attended a clothing design school in Minneapolis.

Maxine married Claude Byron Howard of Wells, MN on September 3, 1939. They eloped just before he began a teaching position in Wisconsin after completion of his Bachelors' Degree at Stout State University.

Maxine worked for the MN State Highway Department in the Driver's License Division and retired after 30 years of employment. She enjoyed playing bridge, and traveling especially to Naples, FL for the winter months. Her favorite television pass time was watching Duke basketball. She loved her home on Marion Lane for over 45 years. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church and participated in Church Circle.

Maxine is survived by their three children, Ellen Howard Hanson, (Randley) of Parrish, FL, Kristine Howard Connors, (James) of Mankato, Jeffrey Claude Howard, (Carson Dowd) of Winston-Salem, NC; seven granddaughters, Melissa and Karrie, Kelly and Betsy, Sally, Camero, and Abigail. She leaves six great-grandchildren, Michael, Carson, Isabella, Mason, Oscar and Vincent. Maxine's sister, June Smith Senn, formerly of Waseca and now residing in Sun City West, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her husband after 57 years of marriage; and brother, Glen Smith.