MAXINE ANN RAMIER

Maxine Ann Ramier, 85, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, Man.
Maxine was born March 9, 1930 in Devils Lake, N.D. to Gertrude and Alphonse Pare.
She went to a small schoolhouse in Minko, travelling by horseback from her farm every day to attend class. Her high school education took place in Devils Lake.
She then continued on with business college in Minneapolis, Mn., which is where she met the love of her life, John (Jack) Ramier.
Maxine and Jack married in 1950 in Minneapolis. She was 19 years old. They had five daughters (Kathleen, Mary, Barbara, Nancy, and Patricia) and two sons (Joseph and John) together.
Jack ran a commercial painting business. He moved Maxine and the kids numerous times over the years to pursue work.
The biggest move, and the one that set the course for their children’s adult lives, was the biggest–a move to Eagle River, Ont.
Maxine and Jack purchased a tourist camp on Eagle Lake, known as Midway Muskie Camp at the time, which they later named Island View Lodge. Five of the children made the move with them and later married Canadians.
After selling Island View, they operated a tourist camp called Shady Roost in Nestor Falls, Ont. until their retirement.
They loved to entertain. Maxine forever will be remembered for her piano and organ playing. She organized many sing-alongs–the last being a St. Patrick’s Day shindig at her retirement manor this past year.
Maxine and Jack spent more than a decade of their retirement years living in Tucson, Ariz. Winter months were filled with friends, sun, and parties.
They had spent their summer months close to family at their cabin at Black Hawk or their apartment at Flinder’s Place in Fort Frances, Ont.
Jack passed away five years ago. Maxine was never quite the same after his passing but she didn’t lose her feisty spirit for life. She’d always have makeup and a nice outfit on, with plenty of accessories.
Three years before her passing, she wrote her life story in a book, “I’m a Free Spirit,” which summed up her passion for life quite nicely.
Maxine is survived and will be forever missed by her daughters, Kathleen, Mary (Steve), Barbara (Romeo), Nancy (Craig), and Patricia (Glenn); and sons; Joseph (Cheryl) and John (Brenda).
She also is survived by 14 grandchildren and soon-to-be 12 great-grandchildren.
The children really loved to listen to “GG’s” stories and her passion for her Winnipeg Jets. She was crazy about her crafts, sewing for others, and watching old romantic movies.
Maxine was predeceased by her parents and parents in-law; infant son, David; brother, Howard; her loving husband, Jack; and son-in-law, Shane.
We’ll miss you, Mom, Grandma, and “GG”!
Maxine had a very strong faith in God throughout her life. May she rest in peace now.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2015 from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
A celebration of her life will take place Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Victor De Gagné officiating.
A private family interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Should friends or family desire, in memoriam donations may be made to your local hospital oncology department. Maxine and her granddaughter, Meghan, were breast cancer survivors.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com