Sr. Maxine McGee, CSJ

Maxine Jeanette McGee was born in Bad Axe, Michigan on September 30, 1928 the daughter of Charles and Johanna (Grace) McGee. She was a member of St. Edward’s Parish in Kinde, Michigan at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Nazareth on September 7, 1946. Maxine received the name Sister Maxine at her reception on July 2, 1947. She pronounced first vows on July 2, 1949 and final vows on July 2, 1952. Sister Maxine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Nazareth College and a Master’s degree in Theology from St. Mary College, Notre Dame. She attended numerous workshops and classes in Spiritual Direction, Retreat Ministry and Carmelite Spirituality. Sister Maxine ministered as an elementary teacher in several Michigan schools including Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth and St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores and as elementary school principal at Blessed Sacrament School in Allegan and Our Lady of Fatima School in Michigan Center. She also served as Parish Minister and Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Michigan Center. In 1984 she came to Nazareth as Director of Fontbonne Manor and a member of the Nazareth Ministry Team. In 1986 Bishop Donovan asked her to be the Pastoral Minister and Coordinator of St. Joseph Parish in White Pigeon, Michigan which she served faithfully for over 21 years until retiring to the Sisters of St. Joseph Center at Nazareth. Sister Maxine’s entire life and ministry was framed by her deep faith and the great love and devotion she had for God’s people. She possessed a warm personality, a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. She was gifted in many ways and enjoyed sharing with others especially her musical talent. She was always appreciative of the many opportunities that life afforded her and for the many friendships which enriched her life. She was especially grateful for the gift of her vocation as a Sister of St. Joseph and she lived out that commitment in an exemplary manner. Her favorite Scripture passage was from Isaiah 40:1: “Comfort, give comfort to my people, says the Lord”. May Sister Maxine be held securely in God’s loving embrace and comfort now and for all eternity. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net