Marian Maxson

Marian Lillian Maxson

Age 97, passed away peacefully at her home in Richfield on January 23, 2015, surrounded by loving family members.

Marian was born on August 21, 1917 in Minneapolis to Harry and Mabel Townsend.  She graduated from Washburn High School.   Soon after her marriage, Marian lived in suburban Richfield, Minnesota with their family home being one of the first residences in that area of Richfield.  For the last 35 years of her life she resided in a townhouse in Richfield.

In 1939, Marian married Paul W. Maxson.   Paul worked for Northwestern Bell for over 40 years and also served in World War II as a Seabee.  Marian retired from Richfield Bank and Trust after many years working evening and day schedules. They had four children: Mary, Pauline, Robert and Barbara.  Home was a wonderful place for raising children. The family stayed busy with school, church and sports. Sadly Paul passed away unexpectedly in 1980 at the age of 64.

Soon after her husband’s death, Marian began working at Walker Nursing Home. Here she met a wonderful volunteer:  George McKee.  She and George grew close and began traveling throughout the world for excitement and learning.  Trips to Russia, China, England, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Hawaii, Alaska, the East and West coasts filled their days.  Sharing a love of baseball, they traveled to many of the Major League Baseball parks.   George became a member of the family, joining Marian for all family gatherings and acting as a grandfather to her grandchildren.  George and Marian spent 15 wonderful years together before he passed away.

Marian was a lifetime member of Richfield Methodist Church, serving on many committees and volunteering.  It was here that she found another special person:  Herb Doty. Traveling was still a passion, but with Herb camping in his Airstream Trailer was the adventure. With a common love of history, Herb & Marian volunteered at Richfield History Center.  Her work was so exemplary that she was awarded by Richfield Historical Center Volunteer of the Year 2011. As an original resident of Richfield, she was interviewed many times by researchers. She also delighted in finding out about her American and English ancestry of Townsend family.

Marian lived life full of exciting, joyful times where family, church and friends were always vital parts and these people and many others will remember her for her joy and zest for life. She loved watching the Twins play, reading mysteries by Minnesota authors and cheering for the Minnesota Wild.

Preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mabel Townsend; husband, Paul Maxson; siblings, Doris Robinson, Charles Townsend; and special friend George McKee.  She is survived by daughters, Mary Hager of Walnut Creek, California, Pauline (Douglas) Bingham of Sherwood, Oregon, Barbara Hauri of Richfield; son, Robert (Susan) Maxson of Lansing, Iowa; sister Ruth Anderson of Truckee, California; and special friend, Herb Doty of Minneapolis.  She also is survived by grandchildren, Jeff (Lisa) and Mindy Hager, Paul (Dana) and Dan Bingham, Erin Maxson and Mike Maxson, Zachary, Sarah and Jonathan Hauri; and twin great-granddaughter’s Adair and Adara Bingham.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff members from Fairview Hospice.