Maxine Smith

One of a kind, there was only one Maxine Smith and she won the hearts of nearly all who came to know and love her. “Max the Egg Lady" of Portage was known as a hard working woman who stood by her ideals. A staunch supporter of the things she held close, her charitable nature was evident throughout her long and fruitful life. Although often known to be quite detailed and strictly regimented, Max worked hard for all that she loved, believed in and hoped for.

Born on an early summer day at home in Kalamazoo, Michigan on June 18, 1919, Maxine was the daughter of Herbert and Ethel (Rushmore) Tarnow. Affectionately known as Max, she was the eldest of eventually four children in their household and enjoyed a typical childhood for the times. With the welcome end of World War I, the U.S. economy began to prosper. The introduction of the dial telephone paved the way for greater communication and the pogo stick became the favorite of children everywhere. Soon into the Roaring Twenties, it was a beneficial time for America but the later years of the decade during Maxine's formative years found it all coming to a tragic end for many.

From an early age Maxine was no stranger to hard work. She often helped with household chores, her younger siblings and attended school. With the onset of the Great Depression, everyday struggles and hardship were commonplace throughout the nation and it was no exception for Maxine's family. Following her early education she went on to live with her aunt and uncle which enabled her to attend State High while working in their diner. Little did Maxine know then how much her life would soon change.

It was while working in the diner when Maxine met the love of her life, Harold Smith, with whom she would love and partner with side-by-side for years to come. With shared affection, they dated for a time and soon found themselves deeply in love. Maxine continued with her education, graduated from State High and in 1938 she happily became Mrs. Harold Smith. They began their new life together in a cozy little house in Oakwood but it was nothing compared to the life of farming Harold knew and loved while growing up. With dreams of together owning their own farm, their hopes were unfortunately postponed when Uncle Sam called young men to duty during World War II.

While Harold served overseas Maxine worked at Monroe’s Market cutting and delivering meat and in the evenings helped her neighbor make parts for the war effort. As a result of saving their combined earnings, the sale of their home in Oakwood and riding the bus in an effort to pinch pennies, Max was soon able to make their dream come true. Once Harold returned home from the service in 1946 they moved to their large farm on Angling Road. Basically living in one room of the house, together they repaired the house and worked the land all while beginning a family of their own.

Their home became a place where treasured memories were made as they raised their son, Bob and daughter, Gwen. Maxine set a high priority when it came to her children's education. At times very strict and often regimented in her daily life, together she and Harold taught their children the value of hard work and set a fine example for them to live by.

With Maxine tending to her chickens, and Harold his horses and dairy cows before later switching to beef cattle, the “Egg Lady” was well on her way. She spent countless hours feeding, gathering, washing and candling (checking and weighing) every egg by hand. With eventually over 1,100 chickens, Max truly loved her “ladies”, the chickens, and they knew her the minute she walked into the coop. For over 50 years Max delivered eggs twice a week to local markets along with selling them at the farm.

As Portage grew, the businesswoman in Max grew to include expanding to a huge garden with a self-serve produce stand that was enjoyed by many. To Maxine, the key to her thriving business was all about excellent customer service. Simply stated, her customers were not just customers to her, but dear friends who knew she'd always have the coffee on waiting for them. She came to be lovingly known as the “Egg Lady” and many articles chronicling their farm were published in the local papers. This wife, mother, grandmother, and businesswoman battled Portage countless times for the right of the family farm to exist in a growing city, and through her diligence, she won!

After losing Harold to cancer in 1981 and she herself having survived a heart attack in 1982, Max proceeded on with her egg and produce business. She loved spending time baking and cooking throughout the years and continued to do so. She was often seen driving her John Deere tractor and enjoyed a good game of cards now and then. She loved playing Skip-Bo and marbles, a favorite from her childhood. As a major Detroit Tigers fan, watching her beloved team play brought out the competitive spirit in Max. In fact, she even bought their first color television set in 1968 so she could watch them play in the world series and was very proud when they went on to win that very game. Maxine had a good heart and through her charitable nature was very active in fund drives for the efforts of cancer, kidney diseases and cystic fibrosis, all of which burdened her heart.

Suffering through a long battle with congestive heart failure, Maxine passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Bronson Hospital. She is survived by her children: Bob (Judi) Smith of Vicksburg, Gwen (Doug) Barrow of Schoolcraft; two grandchildren: Hollie Smith of Vicksburg, Dr. Becky (Joe) Nagy; one great grandchild on the way; her siblings: Lucille (Ceo) Becker of Portage, Bernice (Bern) Earyle of Atlanta, Herbert (Bud) Tarnow of Texas; several nieces, nephews and a special, “like a second daughter”, Judy Scanlon of Portage. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a special nephew, Dale, and brother-in-law, Melvin Becker.

Visit with her family and friends, view her life story film and share light refreshments on Wednesday, 4-7 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). where her funeral will be held Thursday, 11:00 AM at the same location. Please visit Maxine’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a memory, photo and to sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans, Animals Best Friend, or Cystic Fibrosis. The family wishes to thank Bronson Hospital and Friendship Village for their wonderful care and rehab.