Obituary of Maxine C. McMannus

Maxine C. McMannus, 97, wife of the late Hubert W. McMannus, passed peacefully March 18, 2021 in Bangor. She was born Maxine Louise Cole on Aug. 6, 1923 in Waterville, the daughter of Harry B. and Grace C. (Robertson) Cole.

Maxine was raised in the Waterville area. She was a fiercely independent woman, who started working outside her parent’s home at a very young age. She excelled at school, graduating from high school at the age of 16. As a young woman, Maxine also worked outside of Maine, at one point traveling to Indiana where she was one of the rare women who had a number of men working under her. She then returned to Maine, married Hubert, and began her own family. In 1956, she and Hubert moved to Hampden, where their family continued to grow.

Maxine was a remarkable mother and wife, raising six beautiful children. When Hubert retired, they relocated to Holden. They became members of the Holden Congregational Church, were avid walkers, and continued to watch their family grow. Maxine was a woman of great faith throughout her life. She enjoyed Bible study with her dear friends, coloring and playing Yahtzee, everything purple, and most of all chocolate. After Hubert passed, Maxine moved to Bangor.  Her last few years were at Stillwater Healthcare where her never-ending sense of humor charmed all those that met her. Maxine’s family wishes to acknowledge their gratitude for the wonderful and loving care provided to her by the staff at Stillwater.

Surviving are five children, Jean Bickford of Colorado Springs, CO, Arthur McMannus and Doris Rothe of Simsbury, CT, David Potenza McMannus and his husband, Vic Potenza McMannus of Jacumba, CA, Cathy Hart and her husband, Donald of Holden and Carol McMannus of Bangor; twelve grandchildren, Amy, Lisa, Michael, Craig, Kevin, Allison, Duane, Daniel, Nicole, Cole, Benjamin and Emma; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; one brother, George Cole of Oakland; a son-in-law, Anthony Melacrino; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, her daughter, Mary Melacrino and by three siblings, Harry Cole, Camilla York and Glenice Hall.

Services will be privately held. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Holden Congregational Church, PO Box 309, Holden, Maine. Arrangements trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer. Messages and memories may be shared with her family at kileyandfoley.com.