Maxine Maria Morse Obituary

December 13, 2017

Emme Goldberg wrote a sympathy message

“My fondest memory of Maxine was the time I visited her home in the state of New Hampshire. I was an exchange student from Melbourne, Australia attending University in the Washington D.C. area. I recall I was engrossed in studies yet felt quite alone and experienced a good measure of culture shock. But I knew after the University program I would fly to Maxi’s for some rest and recreation. I must let you know I met Maxi in Thailand; it was there we became instant friends. She said if I ever wanted to visit her in the U.S. I was welcome anytime. I was so rewarded in taking up her invitation. She opened her home to me and treated me like I was family. The time I spent with her was absolutely special. It was my first white Christmas ever and I remember standing on her balcony watching the snow fall. This was so different from the hot dry Christmas’s I experience in Australia. I recall she put on the finest hospitality and made me feel welcome in her home. She spared no effort in making delicious Christmas roast dinners during which we enjoyed good conversation and laughter. We went on a long scenic drive through the snow-covered forests of New Hampshire right up to the awe-inspiring land mark of Mount Washington. I got to share a full day of easy relaxed conversation where she shared what seemed to be an exhaustive amount of knowledge on various topics. I remember in particular she discussed classical American enlightenment philosophy. I was inspired by her energy, passion, open heartedness and her mind which valued humanism. Listening to Maxine that day I gained a meaningful insight into her wonderful and noble character. She didn’t just recite a list of dry facts, instead she was a skilled story teller who conveyed a deep love for life and humanity. She possessed wisdom in bucket loads along with her unique sense of dry humour. Like so many other times since that day when I was in her company, I felt she was someone who possessed the intellectual rigor and charisma reminiscent of Benjamin Franklin. Her combination of down to earth practicality and courage was reminiscent of Daniel Boone. She was that much larger than life. This seemed a natural embodiment of Maxine’s essence. She also retained a sense of fairness and respect in her treatment of others. I will also remember her for her optimism, resourcefulness, bravery and independence. Maxi was gifted with a scientific inquiring mind which was always moving and ticking creatively; this memory of her I will also treasure. I will forever miss my soul sister whose friendship has inspired and encouraged me on a soul level. Maxi, I will remember you, with love always, Emma.”