Maxine Roberta Durkee

     Maxine Roberta Durkee passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 27, 2024 at the age of 84. 

     Maxine was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose beautiful soul touched the lives of many. She found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures—strolling along the beach, dancing, enjoying nature, and traveling. Above all, Maxine cherished time spent with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Niki. Known for their gentle spirit, Maxine had a deep love for animals, always going out of their way to provide care and compassion to creatures great and small.

     Born on January 28, 1940 in Seguin, Texas to Max Karl Beseler and Anna Marie Stautzenberger, Maxine grew up in New Braunfels, where she lived from 1943 until her marriage in 1961. She had a deep love for nature and could often be found tending to her garden, rescuing the occasional frog, or flipping through catalogs in her barn. Maxine’s creativity shone in her crafts—whether through needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, or sewing—and in the kitchen, where she transformed her garden’s bounty into delicious meals for her family.

     Though Maxine has left this world, her memory and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

     She is lovingly remembered by her sons: John (Jennifer) Forster, Kris Durkee, and Eric (Megan) Durkee; her daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Scott) Walsh; her sons-in-law, Rick (Suzanne) Durkee and Dave (Gabriele) Durkee; her grandchildren: Nathan (Nicolle) Durkee, Jake Forster, Jordan Forster, Reuven Durkee, Nelson Durkee, and Haven Durkee; and her great-grandchildren, Angus Durkee and Amilia Durkee.

     Maxine is reunited in heaven with her husband Richard Durkee, and her parents Max Karl Beseler and Anna Marie Stautzenberger.

     A funeral service will be 3:00 P.M. Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 where there will be a viewing from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. Thursday.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the ASPCA in Maxine’s honor, continuing her legacy of compassion and care for all living things. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.

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