Maxine G. Robbins Obituary (1931 - 2017)

EAST VASSALBORO -- Maxine G. Robbins, 85, of East Vassalboro, passed away on February 15, 2017, surrounded by her family, at her home in East Vassalboro. She was born in Wesley, Maine on July 6, 1931, the daughter of Roger Alton Gray and Minerva Sharman Gray. Maxine attended the Wesley and Northfield one-room grammar schools. She graduated from Washington Academy in East Machias, and was a clarinetist in the school band. She continued her education at the University of Maine in Orono, where she met the love of her life, Gerald Robbins. While at Orono, she did volunteer work for the University's campus newspaper, and was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. Additionally, she did practice teaching at Lee Academy in Lee, Maine. Maxine graduated from the University of Maine in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, and she and Gerald were married in 1952. She occasionally served as a substitute teacher in Vassalboro schools in the 1960s and 1970s. Maxine was joyfully devoted to her family, and over the years was a caregiver to a number of relatives in times of sickness or disability. She was an avid cook, contributing numerous baked goods and recipes for local organizations' fundraising events and cookbooks. Maxine loved going on family camping trips, and enjoyed sewing and knitting clothing for family members. She was a member of the local DUO (Do Unto Others) Club and the Vassalboro P.T.A., and served as an assistant Girl Scout Brownie leader and Cub Scout den mother. Additionally, she was a correspondent for the University of Maine Alumni Association. Maxine was a longtime member of the Vassalboro Friends Meeting (Quaker) in East Vassalboro, and served as a Sunday-school teacher there. She was also a member of the Vassalboro Grange. Maxine was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Gerald Robbins. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Allen Gray and L. Austin Gray, Jr. Maxine is survived by a brother, James Gray, of North Vassalboro, and a sister, Agnes Diffin, of Waterville. Other surviving family members include son Stephen Robbins and his wife Dale, of Warsaw, Indiana; daughter Deborah Salley and her husband Paul, of Palmyra; son Stanley Robbins of East Vassalboro; son Paul Robbins of East Vassalboro; daughter Shirley Le Vasseur of East Vassalboro; grandson Nathan Robbins and his wife Jennie, of Mankato, Minnesota; grandson Nicolas Robbins of Bradley, Maine; great-grandson Stephen Michael Robbins of Mankato, Minnesota; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and other extended-family members. A memorial service for Maxine will be held in June, with further details to be announced. A graveside burial service will then be held at Chadwick Hill Cemetery in South China. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oak Grove Foundation, c/o Austin Law Office, P.O. Box 150, South China, Maine 04358. Notes of condolence may be expressed to the family at www.gallantfh.com. Arrangements are under the care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine.