HALLOWELL—Maxine B. Avery, 92, of Granit Hill Estates, Hallowell, passed away Friday January 13, 2012 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, after a brief illness. Maxine was born in Hampton, Minnesota, May 28, 1919 the daughter of John Jacob and Alvina (Liske) Becker. She attended a one-room school house in Hampton, Minnesota until eighth grade. She then attended high school in Farmington, Minnesota where she lived with host families, working for her room and board. She graduated from high school in 1936. September 10, 1940, Maxine married Urburn Alonzo Avery, Jr. (Bud) and moved east to Brockton, Massachusetts. For much of her life, she was a devoted wife and mother to her husband and three daughters. She lived in Monson, Massachusetts when her family was young and worked for the Red Feather Agency in Springfield, Massachusetts, caring for newborn babies until they were adopted at six months of age. Her home always had a “babies room” ready at a moment’s notice for the arrival of a newborn. Friends and family were always welcomed, fed well, and encouraged to stay over whenever they came. As her family grew, Maxine worked in retail and ultimately retired after working 16 years for a dentist in New Britain, Connecticut. She spent her retirement gardening, bird watching, picking strawberries, making jam, baking, and spending time with her grandchildren. Widowed at an early age, she was fiercely independent and continued to be so, until her death. Maxine was predeceased by her husband, parents, three brothers, a son-in-law, and numerous friends. She is survived by her three daughters, Lyn Gray and her husband, Robert, of Hallowell, Pam Foshay, of Junction City, Oregon and Janet Avery, of Augusta; ten grandchildren and soon-to-be 15 great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. A private funeral service for immediate family was held and a celebration of her life will take place in the summer. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta. Condolences, memories, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com