Maxine Rose Gordon, 87, of Portage, died at her home on Sunday, April 27.
Maxine was born Aug. 24, 1937, in Hopkins, the fifth child of Joseph (Iciek) and Rose (Fifelski). On Oct. 24, 1959, she was united in marriage to John Gordon. They were married for more than 60 years before his passing on April 24, 2020.
Maxine graduated from Hopkins High School and went on to earn her licensed practical nursing degree. She worked at Borgess Hospital for many years before becoming the office manager for a General Surgical group in Kalamazoo. She took great pride in being president of the Michigan Medical Assistants Association before completely retiring.
Maxine loved her music as she played piano and had a beautiful singing voice. She was not afraid to display that voice in church choir and many school functions, including Hackett Cabaret.
She was the consummate volunteer for church and school functions over the years. She loved her time performing in the Borgess follies and singing at many weddings. She was even coaxed out of retirement to sing one last time at a great friends’ wedding.
She adored her grandchildren, who could do no wrong, and loved hearing and talking about their many accomplishments. She proved to be a constant support and example for her two sons. She clearly softened as she got older, even tolerating both of her sons’ various dogs.
Maxine is survived by her two sons Joe (Theresa) Gordon of Ballwin, MO and Andy (Lynn) Gordon of Kalamazoo, her four grandchildren Megan, John, Matthew and Mary Rose; sisters Christine (late Fred) Steffens, Stephanie (Ed) Fletcher and brother Rob (Lynn) Iciek.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Lorraine (late Russell) Calkins, Betty (late Ben) Wisniewski, Joan (Bill) Weick and brothers Stanley (late Margaret) Iciek and Joe (Mary) Iciek .
Family and friends are invited to gather from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, at Adam’s-Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, where a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., followed by a time of sharing. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 12, at St. Monica church, 4408 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Cremation will following and she will be laid to rest with her late husband at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.
For those who would like to make a contribution in Maxine’s memory, the family suggests St. Monica Parish and Hackett Catholic Central High School.
