Maxine Bernice Favine passed away on September 28, 2019, amongst her family in her beloved city of Bellevue, Washington. She was 81 years old. She is survived by her daughters, Shelly Favine and Stephanie (Stevie) Merrill, in addition to her four grandchildren, Tyler and Karli Fahlman and Kenton and Jack Merrill. An educator at heart, Maxine devoted her life to teaching. She spent decades working in the Bellevue School District, and, upon retirement, substitute teaching in Scottsdale, Arizona — helping countless children and spreading kindness and joy along the way.

Maxine grew up one of eight children in High Prairie, Alberta, Canada. It was there that as a young girl she met the man she would eventually marry and spend over 55 years of her life with, her soulmate, Morley Collin Favine. The two moved to the United States shortly after Shelly was born in search of opportunity, and they found it. Together they managed to travel the world on teachers’ salaries, demonstrating in the process the immeasurable value of hard work, decency, commitment, sacrifice, respect for other cultures, and a thirst for knowledge. Their love and eternal bond is an inspiration to all.

Maxine was a brilliant and tenacious soul who treated everyone she encountered with great respect and warmth. But her kindness and generosity were equally matched by her fighting spirit. Her indomitable strength is most evident in how she valiantly battled cancer five times over three decades. She never wavered in her resolve and handled each challenge with heartwarming courage and grace. She will forever be missed.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of her to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.