Maxine Jewel Smith was born in Seattle, Washington on April 3, 1928 and passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 96.

Maxine grew up in Fresno, Reedley, Taft and also lived in Honolulu during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She attended Fresno State as a Home Economics major.

In 1948 she was crowned Miss Fresno County. Maxine met her husband Bill on a successful blind date.  They married in 1949 and had three children. Maxine loved her family and will be remembered for her warm hospitality of family celebrations throughout her life. She always made room for one more at the dinner table.  Maxine and Bill started their first preschool, Peter Pan in 1960.  In 1974 they established Fairmont Private School which has provided early education to thousands of children throughout the valley.  Her legacy still continues today making a positive impact on our community.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Edith Larson and Husband, Bill.

She is survived by Son, Gary and his wife Vicki; Son, Craig and his wife Ally; Daughter, Kathy and her husband Burke; Grandchildren, Amanda; Amber and her husband Nick; Matt and his wife Zyanya; Brittany and her husband Chris and Rebecca; Great Grandchildren; Reagan, Gavin, Ellie, Vivian, Emilia, Jason, George and Jasmine, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Click to view Maxine's Memorial DVD