Maxine Elizabeth Bracken

She passed peacefully in her home in Greeley, Colorado at the age of 89 on Wednesday November 22nd 2023.

She was preceded in death by her Father Frank Adam Miller when she was only 5 months old. Her mother Wilda Viola Miller preceded her in death at 92 years of age. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Staff Sgt. Frank Earl Miller, a tail gunner on a B24 who lost his life in Vienna, Austria, during World War II, and Robert Leroy Miller who served in the Korean War, and then retired as a United Methodist Minister. Robert met and married his wife Ahn while in the ministry in Vietnam, they have two children Cherry Torres (Jose) and Frank Miller Jr.

Maxine married her sweetheart, Gary Keith Bracken from Kansas, whom she met at college in York, Nebraska. Gary’s two brothers, Bill and Lyle (Sharri) and niece and nephew Jenna and Matt were always very special to her. Maxine and Gary went on to have 3 sons, Gregory Dean Bracken (Roxie), Mickey Lee Bracken, and Douglas Duane Bracken. Douglas Duane Bracken preceded Maxine in death in 1975 when he was 15 years young. Maxine was very proud of Greg and Mickey all their accomplishments, and the wonderful men they grew into. She also cherished her relationship with her daughter-in-law Roxie and was so happy to finally have a daughter. At the time of her death Gary and Maxine were married for 69 years, and she absolutely treasured their many years and adventures together. They traveled and went on many fun trips with family, relatives, and friends. For many years Maxine traveled with Gary on his motorcycle, they went on many trips this way.

Maxine was so proud of and loved all her grandchildren dearly; Melissa Lynn Henderson (Stephen), Ryan James Bracken (Maggie), Brittany Marie Bracken, and Erika Marie Bracken. Maxine’s great grand children were also so dear to her heart; Tai Neiko, Sydney Mae, Jaymz Oliver (Melissa); Ailani Li, Kaden Li (Ryan); Kenidi Reign, Ivory Rose, Salvator Mack, Ruby Moon, Oliver Leo (Brittany); and Catherine (Catey) Lynn, Analiese Marie, Emmett Cash (Erika). Maxine was preceded in death by sweet baby Oliver Leo. Maxine also had one wonderful great great granddaughter Alexia (Sydney).

Maxine was a Wrangler for the Greeley Stampede for several years, and she later joined the Greeley Exchange Club where she volunteered for them each year at the Exchange Club Stampede booth. She loved the Exchange Club and truly believed in their mission, they are very patriotic and help Veterans each year. Maxine helped them set up flags at Aims College, one for each soldier who was killed, put up Wreaths Across America on each Veteran’s grave at the Evans Cemetery, and helped with the project of the Honor Flight. The Exchange Club’s main purpose of all Exchange Clubs around the world is The Prevention of Child Abuse, “It Shouldn’t Hurt to be a Child.” Maxine volunteered with many other organizations as well throughout the years, UCCC, Humane Society, RSVP.

Maxine enjoyed her two Red Hat Society groups, one in Greeley, and one in Cheyenne. The hobby she enjoyed the most was her years singing with Sweet Adelines. The women’s a cappella 4-part harmony was a joy of hers for over 50 years, and she also sang in two Sweet Adeline quartets. The friends she made and the songs sung were a highlight of hers for many years. She also sang with the Keenage Singers and Greeley and enjoyed bringing the music to the nursing home and facilities. She also sang in a gospel trio in Cheyenne, and many duets over the years. Maxine also sang in the Greeley First United Methodist Church choir for many years.

When Gary and Maxine first moved to Greeley, Max was a teacher’s aide at Scott Elementary for 2 years. She went on to work for the City of Greeley for 29 years in sales tax and payroll. In her retirement, she worked as a substitute secretary for Greeley-Evans School District 6 and received an award for being an outstanding substitute. Maxine loved all animals and had many throughout her years. Her and Gary rescued 5 black cocker spaniels over the years, some of which were seniors looking for a safe and loving home to live out their days in. She was a member of the United States Humane Society for over 20 years.

Maxine had an infectious spirit and lit up any room she entered with her warmth and genuine kindness and love for all and will be truly missed by all those that knew her. Two ideals that Maxine tried to live by, “hugs are good, have you hugged today?” and “I always wanted to live everyday that when I got out of bed in the morning the devil said, “oh crap she’s up!”

A memorial service for Maxine will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stoddardsunset.com for the Bracken family.