Maxine Brown

Maxine Brown, 93, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 3 PM to 5 PM on Saturday, December 21st at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home and for one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville.

Maxine Brown

Born on July 20, 1931, to Russell E. and Marvel (Kaufman) Hanson, Maxine entered the world at their home on Ruble Avenue in Albert Lea. She attended several schools in Freeborn County, transferring from Albert Lea High School to complete her senior year at Miltonvale Wesleyan Academy in Kansas. Maxine also graduated from the Wesleyan Junior College with an Associate of Arts degree. It was there in Miltonvale she met the love of her life, William “Bill” E. Brown. They were married August 23, 1951, at Wesleyan Church in Albert Lea. They had 5 wonderful children together who found their lives filled with an appreciation of music and laughter.

Maxine’s inviting personality and genuine interest in others made her a cherished friend to many. Her innate fondness for animals began during her childhood on the family farm. Throughout her life, stray cats, critters, and even opossums found solace on her front doorstep.

Maxine was a dedicated member of the First Wesleyan Church in Albert Lea and later in Waseca. She took great joy in her work with the Naeve Hospital Auxiliary, Youth for Christ, and the Albert Lea Senior Citizen Center. Maxine guided bus tours throughout the region, which provided her with an outlet to combine her love for people and her passion for sharing knowledge about the area.

Maxine’s love and devotion to her family were unwavering. She cherished the memories they created together, whether it was gathering for a lively family meal, traveling across the country singing songs, or laughing together at a well-told story. Her positive influence and warm spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her, and the memories she leaves behind will be forever treasured by her loved ones. Maxine’s love for birds, particularly cardinals, showcased her appreciation for nature’s beauty. Just like the vibrant red feathers of the cardinals, Maxine exuded warmth and joy, lighting up the lives of those around her. Her love for people was a central part of her life, and her ability to forge deep connections with everyone she met created a lasting impact on her community. She cherished the simple pleasures in life and found happiness in sharing her enthusiasm for the world around her with others.

Maxine is survived by her brother Jerry and Pat Hanson, sister Kathleen “Kas” and Ken Muilenburg, her children Jeffrey and Gail Brown, Joelene and Don Nielsen, Janis and Mike Roche, Judson and Lori Brown, and Jayne Hansen. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Erin (Henderson) Harris, Judd (Amy Jo) Brown, Maren (Bobby) Tillman, Jordan Brown, Eli (Rachel) Hansen, Chad Roche, Katherine (Daniel Forcelle) Brown, Alex Brown, Samuel (Autumn Perron) Brown, Jack Brown, and Thomas Brown. She also leaves behind 9 great grandchildren and her many loving pets. Maxine was preceded in death by loving husband Bill, her parents, Russell and Marvel Hanson, her infant son James, granddaughter Aubrey Brown, and her dear friend Delorus “Dode” Jacobs, with whom she shared a special bond as a fellow charter member of the neighborhood coffee club.

Memorials are preferred to Albert Lea Area Youth for Christ and the Humane Society of Freeborn County.