Obituary: Maxine Leigh Anderson

Maxine Leigh Anderson "Lovely Max" Maxine Leigh Anderson passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Care Center in Salt Lake City November 15, 2005. She began her turn on earth Feb. 7, 1918 in Salt Lake City the oldest of three daughters of Herald Hyde and Mareada Johnson Leigh. Maxine graduated from Irving Junior High School, East High School and LDS Business College. She also attended Brigham Young University where she studied art and archaeology. Maxine was an avid reader and student continuously engaged in reading and study of a myriad of subjects. Those who knew her recognized she was interested in "everything". In her earlier years Maxine was employed as an insurance company executive secretary, as assistant Salt Lake City Parks Director and host of a children's radio and TV talent show. Maxine was very outgoing and was a friend to everyone she met. She was particularly fond of teenagers, especially those who had challenges in their lives. She had a special skill she used to mentor and counsel them to assist them in improving their lives. Maxine enjoyed teaching and was a church teacher of teenagers for most of her life, since age 16. She spent many hours in preparation of her lessons - each of which provided spiritual and intellectual uplift to her students. On September 1, 1955 (50 years ago) Maxine married Alvin (Al) Anderson in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Their first few years were spent in northern Minnesota where Al was stationed with the Air Force at the Duluth Air Base. During this period her only child (Savannah) was born. Savannah was her pride and joy - and Maxine was an outstanding mother. Maxine lost her Savannah 26 years ago when her life was snuffed out on Mother's Day 1979 in Irvine, California Maxine was peceded in death by her parents and two sisters (Dorothy and Ranae). She is survived by her husband Al Anderson. A tribute to Maxine will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 19, at 12:00 noon, at the Mount Olympus 9th Ward Chapel, 4625 South Lanark Road (3315 East) where friends and family may visit from 10:00-11:45 a.m. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. Special thanks is extended to caregivers Viveana Romero, Tillie Kasteler and the nurses and aides at the Garden Terrace facility. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in the name of Maxine Anderson to the Humane Society of Utah, P.O. Box 573659, Murray, Utah 84157 or by phone 801-261-2919 ext. 208.