Maxine Rose Kerber Obituary
Maxine passed away peacefully in her sleep early on Friday morning, June 19, 2026 at Age Care Walden in Calgary.
She leaves behind her four daughters Brenda Kutos (Bert), Vicki McGrath (Jerry), Doreen Brown (Percy Merton) and Jolene Kerber, and grandchildren Mark, Anthony, James, Crystal, Jonathon, Kyle, Byron and Stacey, and her 10 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons Malcolm and Keith, grandsons Michael and Jared, and her husband Victor.
Maxine was born February 26, 1932 in Rimbey, Alberta. In 1951, she met and married Victor and together they followed the opportunities of the oil industry throughout Alberta before settling in Redwater. There, Maxine worked alongside Victor designing and building the family home where they raised their children.
While Victor was often away working in the oil patch, Maxine maintained the household and raised her children with dignity and pride, always demonstrating a fierce determination to get things done, quickly, efficiently, and preferably at a bargain. Idleness was not a luxury she allowed herself, and she raised her kids to have the same sense of obligation and purpose. There were always clothes to be made, mended or altered, gardening to be "put down" with the intent to support the family through the winter with canned goods and preserves, and knitting, crocheting or other variable tasks required for the families health and well being. Yet even amid the demands of family life, she never lost sight of her own ambitions and desire to serve others and her community.
Throughout her life, Maxine embraced many roles, each reflecting her love of people and her community. She volunteered for numerous organizations in many different capacities and was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies' Auxiliary. Her roles throughout her life included, but weren't limited to, being a reporter and gossip columnist for a local newspaper, a playschool teacher and Keep Fit instructor, and towards the end of her working career, the owner and operator of the Redwater Hotel.
A lifelong learner, Maxine went back to upgrade and graduate high school at the age of 37 exhibiting the perseverance that had always defined her life. She and her daughter, Brenda, celebrated together in the same graduating class of 1969. At 57, she returned to school to pursue nursing and graduated within the top 7 students of her year, earning her the designation as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her accomplishments remain a source of pride and inspiration to all who knew her.
Maxine found great joy in family get-togethers, travelling with her family, gardening, cooking, knitting and crocheting. She was a proud, hardworking and motivated woman who cherished her family above all else. She had a special fondness for yellow roses and just about anything made with lemons.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 29th, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Eden Brook Funeral Home, 24223 Township RD 242, Calgary, Alberta.
The family wishes to thank Age Care Walden, the Meadowlands memory care unit for their excellent care of mom during her final chapter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or the Alberta Diabetes' Foundation.
Condolences from family and friends.
