Maxine May
Maxine May, 94, of LaGrange Park (Plymouth Place), and formerly of Western Springs, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025. She was born to Theodore and Vera Haugland in Minneapolis, MN on August 16, 1930. They moved to Aurora, IL in 1937, where Maxine later attended Aurora College, and then received her BS in Elementary Education from Ball State University. Maxine met her future husband, Robert (Bob), in Barrington, while playing volleyball at a school event for teachers. They were later married on November 23, 1957 and soon moved to Western Springs, IL where they raised their three children, Nancy, Jim, and Rich. Following Bob’s passing in 1999, Maxine moved to LaGrange Park in 2013.
Maxine enjoyed teaching at the local schools, then becoming an Instructional Aid at the LaGrange library, before working as a law firm receptionist in Chicago, and retiring as a secretary at Lyons Township High School. She loved music, bicycling, camping/hiking (Devil’s Lake State Park), reading, line dancing, travel with family, attending shows at the Little Theatre of Western Springs, and would never ever turn down a chance to go for a relaxing swim at the Western Springs pool. She was especially a very humble and generous mother and grandmother, always devoting her time and energy to family and friends, but also to helping through her church and other community organizations. Maxine, strong in her faith, was unwaveringly selfless and positive, traits remaining with her through her courageous 13-year fight with Alzheimer’s.
Maxine is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Theodore and Vera Haugland, her dear sister Evelyn Callaway, and her loving husband, Bob, of 41 years.
She is survived by her three cherished children: Nancy Tuttle, Jim (Sheri) May, and Rich (Beth) May. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Ryan, Jason, Alina, Andrew, and John, and three great-grandchildren: Stassi, Zander, and Quinn.
We invite family and friends to her Visitation on Saturday, June 14th from 9:30 to 10:30am at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside. Funeral Mass will then take place at 11am at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, followed by burial service at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside. A reception is being scheduled following the cemetery service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Funeral Info: 708-352-6500
Maxine was such a positive, kind, helpful and generous lady. I have fond memories of her at family get togethers and of her playing with her grandchildren. We loved playing rummikub with her. She was always willing and able to help her family and friends. She had a strong faith which I admire. She will be missed.