Sandra Lee Maxwell "Sandy"

Sandra Lee (Rask) Maxwell passed away at her home Monday, September 5th, 2011, after a four year courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) with her husband, children, grandchildren and niece by her side.

Sandra was born April 9, 1942 in Butte, Montana to Francis and Carolyn Rask. Sandra attended St. John the Evangelist Grammar School and later graduated from Girls’ Central High School in 1960. After graduating from high school, she worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Co. with Yellow Pages Advertising. She then married the love of her life David Maxwell, on November 18, 1961. Together they moved to Spokane and soon started a family of their own with three children Laurie, Mark and Bill. Sandy’s careers included being a homemaker, working as a secretary for the family business, M&L Supply. She then retired after working as a lab technician for orthodontists Drs. Damon and Lindquist as well as for Drs. Ellingson and Paxson.

Family was the center of Sandy’s world. All prospered from her kind heart, and contagious smile which instantly drew you closer to her vibrant personality. Sandy was always upbeat and smiling. Home was always brighter when she was present.

Some of her favorite family times were spent celebrating Thanksgivings in Butte as well as family gatherings at the cabin on the Pend Orielle River. Sandy’s circle of friends also made her life complete. She could be found enjoying lunch dates, shopping extravaganzas, playing Bridge, or just enjoying a visit over a cup of coffee.

Sandy had an acute love for music. It was not unusual to find her playing the piano and singing with a big smile. Nothing made her happier than singing, listening to, and playing music. Her love of music helped inspire others to pursue it.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, David Maxwell; sister Carol and Bud Rowley; brother Dan and Carla Rask; daughter Laurie and Todd Spence; son Mark and Patty Maxwell; son Bill and Erika Maxwell; six grandchildren: Matt and Krysten Maxwell, Carson, Aliyah, and Paxton Spence, Isabella and Alisandra Maxwell; and one great grandchild Tanner Burger; numerous other family and friends that were also held close in her heart.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Carolyn Rask and sister Donna (Rask) Walund.

We would like to thank the ALS Association-Evergreen Chapter, the ALSSO, and Horizon Hospice for the compassionate support that was shared with our mother and family in our times of need.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. with a viewing from 10:30-11:30 prior to Mass at St Joseph Catholic Church on Arden Rd. in Otis Orchards, WA. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made in Sandy’s memory to the ALS Association-Evergreen Chapter www.alsa-ec.org or ALS Support Organization (ALSSO).