On a beautiful sunny Yukon autumn day, and at a time of her own choosing, Maxine died peacefully at home with her children by her side. Maxine was born in Ponoka, Alberta to Wyman and Ethel Murphy.

She grew up in Edmonton, Alberta with her sister Marilynn. She met the love of her life, Patrick, while completing her degree in Social Work at the University of Alberta.

In January 1968, they packed up their two young children, Sue and Greg, and drove the Alaska Highway at forty below to Whitehorse. Maxine and Patrick loved everything about Yukon and quickly realized this would be their permanent home.

Within a week of arriving in Whitehorse, Maxine was invited to become involved on boards for various projects to establish community services to support families and children that were lacking in Yukon at that time. She was on the steering committees that established the Childcare Centre Society and the territory’s first transition home for abused women, Kaushee’s Place. In 2002, after thirty years as Manager of Placement and Support Services for the Yukon Department of Family and Children’s Services where she participated in territorial, national and international initiatives, she retired.

Retirement did not slow her down. She volunteered with organizations like the Food Bank of Whitehorse, took several courses at Yukon College, loved attending the many cultural, film and music events Yukon offered, hosted unforgettable dinner parties, enjoyed an Investment Club, Bridge and Book Club (the latter two she participated in until the last months of her life), walking with friends several times a week, visiting with her grandchildren, family and friends from all over the world.

Travel was her passion and her escape from Yukon winters. She and Patrick travelled to every continent except Antarctica. She loved meeting people from other countries, learning about their culture, their history, and their cuisine.

But her priority in life was always her family and friends. She was still in contact with her first friend who she met at 4 years of age. Throughout the years, she met many people who became great friends.

Maxine always felt she had been lucky throughout her life and lived a full and satisfying one. Her positive and optimistic attitude was infectious. She always tried to bring joy to people’s lives and loved hearing about theirs.

Please join us to share stories and celebrate Maxine’s life.

May 19, 2023
1:30-4:00pm
MacBride Museum
1124 Front Street
Whitehorse, Yukon