Celia Maxwell

Celia’s story began on a warm summer day in 1912 in the community of Ingham County, Michigan near Lansing. Those were fascinating times in the nation as the automobile and the airplane captivated the nation, as well as the world. Even though tensions loomed overseas, on July 11, 1912, Irvin Maxwell was baling hay on the family farm when he heard the news that his wife, Frances (Pierce) had delivered their first child, a baby girl they named Celia May. Her father supported the family as a farmer, and during the winter months, worked at the mental hospital in Newberry, Michigan. As a homemaker, her mother looked after Celia and her younger sister Beatrice along with working as a caregiver for their neighbors when needed.

Beginning at an early age, and as the eldest child, Celia had extra responsibilities. There was not a lot of extra time for play because there was always plenty to be done on the farm. Life as a child for Celia revolved around the farm chores that included taking care of, feeding and cleaning up after the horses, hogs, chickens and milk cows. In 1917, Celia had her appendix removed. Quite frightening for a five year old, the procedure took place right on the dining room table at home. With no electricity, makeshift lights were hung and powered from a car battery. In fact, the farm house never even became equipped with electricity until around 1939. It was in 1919 that the family moved to a farm in nearby Riley Township.

Celia attended Plowman School until the seventh grade. A little one room schoolhouse in Clinton County, Michigan, she walked two miles each way to school everyday. She then went on to attend Rodney B. Wilson School in St. Johns, Michigan where she graduated. Money was always tight for her family, especially during the Depression, but they always had everything they needed and never went without. Her parents instilled in Celia an incredible work ethic, and as a young woman, she was extremely organized.

To complete her education, Celia went on to attend County Normal in order to teach school to lower grade school students. She later attended Central Michigan University where she earned her permanent teaching certificate in 1961. Over the years, Celia acquired a large extended family of former students, many of whom she kept in touch with. Her students became her life, and after 39 years of teaching, Celia retired from the St. Johns School System in 1974.

Since a young child, Celia remained living in the family home in Riley Township, encompassing over 90 years. Following the death of her father, the farm was too much for Celia to take on, and the land was leased out to other farmers. She continued to keep busy with her teaching and found enjoyment maintaining her large vegetable garden. She grew beans, corn, tomatoes and cucumbers, often sharing them with others. Celia loved time spent in her garden, and continued to do so well into her 80s. Known for her delicious cookies and homemade fudge, she tended to have a little bit of a sweet tooth. As a longtime neighbor with those in her area, many enjoyable times were shared together over the years.

After losing both of her parents and along with her sister Beatrice’s death in 1968, Celia grew extremely close to her grandnephew Irvin, and grandniece Catherine, treating them as if they were her own children. When they were young, Celia loved traveling with them where fond memories were made on trips to Mackinac Island and Castle Rock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Memorable times were spent during family get-togethers and the holidays where Celia truly enjoyed her family.

Even though Celia was a very prim and proper lady, she possessed a wonderful sense of humor. Classic in her style, she was very conservative with her money with the exception of buying nice clothing. Her interests included Michigan history, and she loved the many different architectural styles and designs of barns. With family throughout the state, she enjoyed taking car trips to visit them across all of Michigan. Throughout the years, Celia became an avid fan of Michigan State University, and would even set her alarm clock so she could wake up to watch the late games on television.

At the age of 97, Celia May Maxwell died on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. She will be remembered fondly and thought of often, especially in the lives of those she touched through education and her warm heart. Visitation with Celia’s family will take place on Sunday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass in St. Johns. A service to celebrate the life of Celia will be held on Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:00 AM at the Osgood Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory, submit a favorite photo or sign her online guest register.

Celia was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Frances (Pierce) Maxwell, sister, Beatrice Davey; and nephew, Stanley Krepps. She is survived by one niece, Frances Smith (Kalamazoo, MI), grand nieces, Catherine (Krepps) Stevens (Lady Lake, FL), and Carolyn (Smith) Hallada (Montague, MI), grand nephews, Irvin (Betty) Smith (Mason, MI), Clark (Anne) Smith (Ypsilanti, MI), Russell (Beth) Smith (Kalamazoo, MI), and Daniel (Deborah) Krepps (Grand Rapids, MI), great grand nieces and nephews, great great grand nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Special recognition to neighbors Gordon and Maxine Strahle, John Dunsmore, Gene Dunsmore, Gordon Dunsmore, and, special friend, the late Helen Post. Your kindness over the years has been a living example of what being the good neighbor and friend is all about. We owe you a debt of gratitude. Also, a very special thanks to Celia's caregivers without whom she could not have remained at home.

The family welcomes flowers or contributions to your favorite charity.