It is with great sadness that the children of Maxine Inkster announce the passing of their beloved mother, at the age of 86, on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018 after a sudden and brief illness.
She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Jim; son-in-law, Ernie Calder; daughter-in-law, Debbie Hebert-Inkster; and grandson, Jimmy Inkster.
She is survived by her six children, Barrie Inkster (Debbie), Shelley Toninato (Robert), David Inkster (Cathy), Wendy Calder, Dale Inkster, and Chiney Inkster; as well as 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Maxine was born and raised in Fort Frances, Ont. and was a lifetime resident. At the young age of 18, she married William James Inkster. At 19, the first of her six children came along.
Maxine became an extremely busy homemaker for many years. Once the children grew and started to leave home, she bartended at a few local establishments.
For many summers, the whole backyard became a vegetable garden. Above that were four rows of clothesline that always were filled with drying laundry.
Maxine’s favourite pastimes included sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Many baby outfits and afghans for the grandchildren were lovingly made and received. She always was creating items for the home from each new hobby she discovered.
All these talents were passed on to her three daughters.
Maxine and Jim’s most enjoyable times were summers spent in their camper at The Fisheries. There, they found their second family, where they soon became the “Original Trailer Trash” gang. Many days were spent cruising Rainy Lake on their pontoon boat with family and friends.
Maxine very happily spent the last year-and-a-half living at Rainycrest, where she was able to rekindle old friendships and develop new ones with both staff and residents.
As requested by Maxine, there will be no funeral. There will be a family celebration of life next summer for both Maxine and Jim.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com