Maxine Mildred Rose Stonehouse

Predeceased by her beloved Mum, Annie Wilson (nee Mitchell), 1997 and Dad, Albert Wilson, 1974; her husband, Harvey Stonehouse, a mischievous, loving partner in parenting, grandparenting and travel, 2005; her sister, Fran Starkes (nee Wilson), 2011; her brothers Albert, 2008 and Bob Wilson, 2018; as well as her youngest son, Chris Stonehouse, 2016.

Maxine's iconic, indomitable spirit will be cherished by her surviving family: her two sons, David (Debbie) and Michael (Natalie); her precious grandchildren, Melody (John), James (Sue), Carri (Florin), Virginia, Matt (Alexandra), Catherine (Dalton), and Grace; her adored great-grandchildren, Austin, Salem, Cole, Sterling, and Harvey; her faithful nieces, Janet (Sheila) and Buffy (Frank); her younger brother Ted (Diane); her dear nephews Bill (Sally), Alan, and Lincoln (Pauline, d.2014); loving nieces and nephews; attentive great-nephews, Josh (Sam), Ben (Angel), Isaac, Mitchell, and Morgan; and two, brand new, great-great nieces, Oaklyn and Nova.

Born in Dundas, ON, Maxine fondly remembers her early childhood days, spending time with Grandma Mitchell, (who was a midwife/healer), riding along in the horse and buggy through the countryside to take care of people. She grew into an adventurous young woman who went across Canada to live in Calgary for a time. Home on a holiday in Hamilton, she literally bumped into Harvey Walter Stonehouse. And so, sensing an adventure, Maxine hitched her wagon to his train, so to speak, and lived happily-ever-married for 53 years, raising three strapping boys.

Maxine got a degree in Social Service Work from Mohawk College in 1975 and worked for over two decades at St. Matthews House on Barton Street. An avid gardener, talented artist, and inventive craftswoman, Maxine almost always had a project on the go. She was also a meticulous seamstress, often "consigned" by the family for articles such as wedding dresses, sets of curtains, and even in her last months, a ring bearers' pillow. Her gardens thrived whether at Duncombe Drive or in her final years, on the balcony at the Treefort.

Family and friends cannot express how blessed they feel having known a person like Maxine. Here's a farewell ode to send you off, Mom: "We're sorry that you have to go-this place won't be the same. Is someone here responsible? We must know who to blame! We sure will miss you when you're gone-it's tough to say good-bye. (If this is wet and cried upon, you needn't ask us why.) We hope you'll keep in touch with us, by email, phone, or writing- or maybe singing telegrams (now THAT would be exciting)... We'd like to add just one more thought as you leave us behind...although you'll soon be out of sight, you won't be out of mind." (Credit: Carlton Cards). Happy trails, Grandma. We will see you in the b'y and b'y. Visitation will be held at CRESMOUT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue E. on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Urn Committal will be held at Grove Cemetery, 129 York Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 1L9 on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 2:30pm. Donations may be made to St. Matthews House, www.stmatthews.ca or the Cancer Assistance Program, www.cancerassist.ca

Online condolences can be left at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com