Obituary of Maxene Davies

Maxene Davies, 73, passed away in Santa Cruz on Sunday, August 10, 2014 after a valiant battle with breast cancer. A traveler, avid gardener, fierce board-game player, gourmet cook, sports fan and teacher, Maxene loved life and spending time with family and friends. Born on February 18, 1941 in Visalia, California to Ivan (Max) and Ann Davies, Maxene grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, enjoying time outdoors, riding horses, spending summers at the cabin and eating Visalia oranges. She graduated from Mount Whitney High School in Visalia and attended College of the Sequoias before completing her degree at San Jose State. She began her 38-year teaching career in 1962 teaching 1st grade at Earlimart Elementary in Earlimart, before moving to Santa Cruz where she taught 1st through 4th grades at Mar Vista Elementary School until retiring in 2000. She enjoyed working with students, sharing her love of stories and Native American history. Maxene loved entertaining and never showed up to a party empty handed (sweet treats and pate were some of her favorites). She had a knack for finding special presents and delighted in decorating for and celebrating the holidays. An adventurer and lifelong learner, Maxene was always trying out new recipes (she made the best cakes and pies), reading about indigenous populations of the Pacific Northwest and planning her next adventure. A Sharks fan, she enjoyed watching competitive sports almost as much as she enjoyed challenging friends and family to a game of Farkel or Mexican Train. She will be remembered for her generosity, kind and adventurous spirit and her love of family, friends and traditions. Maxene is survived by her niece Rebecca Andrada, her husband Lee and their children, Randy, Anthony, Nicholas and Ashley, and great-grand-niece Audrey; cousins Nancy Alley, Christie Cannon, David Roth and their families; and extended family including the Hoogendyk and Aquino families, as well as many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Karen Ooley. Family and friends wish to thank the staff at Dominican Hospital, Valley Haven and Hospice of Santa Cruz County for the care provided to Maxene. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Presbyterian Church (420 Melrose Ave, Santa Cruz). Maxene was a longtime supporter of many charitable organizations, including several Native American organizations (American Indian Youth Running Strong and Rescue Operation for Animals of the Reservation), those supporting Veterans (Wounded Warriors and Veterans of the Foreign Wars of the United States), and Shriners Hospital. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to one of these worthy causes or the American Cancer Society.