Maxine Hazel (Shepherd) Williams

October 21, 1925 – January 13, 2017

After a long life, well lived, Maxine H. Williams, 91, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017, at Skagit Valley Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.  Maxine was born on October 21, 1925 to James N. and Lillie (Rhinehart) Shepherd, in Sedro-Woolley, WA.  Maxine enjoyed a happy and carefree childhood.  She graduated early from Sedro-Woolley High School and pursued a nursing degree with training from Virginia Mason.  Maxine married James L. Williams in 1945.  Maxine and Jim raised their four children, Dan, Lenny, Teresa (Taylor), and Becky (Whaley) in Sedro-Woolley, WA.  Maxine was involved with her children’s pursuits as well as being a surgical nurse in Bellingham, WA.  After retirement, Jim and Maxine enjoyed going south in their R.V. and spending time with their grandchildren.  After the love of Maxine’s life, Jim, passed in 1983, Maxine traveled extensively in Europe and South America.  However, it was her trips to Ireland she spoke of most fondly.  Maxine’s grandchildren admired her sense of adventure and the lessons in perseverance and enjoying life she modeled by going parasailing and staying active on the hospital board.

Her parents, brother, husband, nephew, (Brad Shepherd), and daughters, Rebecca Whaley and Teresa Taylor, preceded her in death.  She is survived by her two sons, Dan and Lenny, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

A private family grave- side service was held January 20, 2017.  Memorials in Maxine’s name may be made to Sedro-Woolley Alumni Reunion Foundation, P.O. Box 509 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Arrangements were by Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, WA.