Mary Jeanne Maxwell

Mary Jeanne Maxwell, lovingly known as Jeanne, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at the age of 103, just shy of her 104th birthday.

Born in Galesburg, Illinois, Jeanne’s life spanned more than a century of remarkable change, resilience, and devotion to family. She was raised in Evanston, Illinois, where she graduated from Evanston High School in 1940. She went on to earn a degree in fine art and architecture from the University of Nebraska in 1946, after attending multiple universities during a time of constant transition.

During World War II, Jeanne contributed in meaningful ways, including creating hand-colored portraits and sketching servicemen in coffee shops. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Lavern “Vern” Maxwell. They were married on July 14, 1946, beginning a 66-year marriage built on love, resilience, and shared adventure.

As a military family, Jeanne and Vern moved frequently across the country and abroad. Jeanne often joked that she never fully unpacked—keeping a footlocker ready at all times, a symbol of a life spent adapting, moving, and embracing each new chapter with strength and grace.

She wore many hats throughout her life: teacher, artist, volunteer, community leader, and constant support to her family. From teaching in a one-room schoolhouse to studying art in Hawaii, Jeanne lived with curiosity, creativity, and independence.

In 1969, Jeanne and Vern settled in Evergreen, Colorado, where they built a life rooted in community and service. She was deeply involved in church life, volunteered extensively, helped manage the family farm in Iowa, and was known for bringing people together—including hosting annual neighborhood picnics for many years.

Above all, Jeanne will be remembered for her quiet strength, intelligence, independence, and the deep love she had for her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vern, in 2011 after 66 years of marriage, and her infant son, Marvin Bruce, who passed away at two days old.

She is survived by her sons, John Maxwell and Michael Greer; her granddaughter Amisa Honke (Tyler); her great-grandchildren Jonah and Summer Honke; her niece Mary Marchant Kruse (Pat) and nephew Wayne Marchant (Sue); her great-niece Amanda (Earl); great-nephew Lance; and her great-great-nieces Kaylie and Karli, great- great nephews Jayden and Seth; along with many other extended family members who will continue to carry her legacy forward.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her dear friends and caregivers—Kaylie, Gail, Jacey, Lora, Jan, and Debbie—as well as Jeff, community paramedic, and the

compassionate team at Mt. Evans Hospice, whose care, dedication, and presence brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Jeanne in her final days. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

She taught us how to adapt, how to endure, and most importantly how to love tenaciously— no matter where life took us.

Memorial donations may be made in Jeanne’s name to the Evergreen Fire Department Foundation. Please include “ECARES Only” in the memo so contributions are directed specifically to the ECARES program.