Maxine Smith

Maxine Clara Smith passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, with family by her side at Fairview Personal Care Home in Brandon, Manitoba.

Maxine was born on November 28, 1935, in Moosomin, Saskatchewan to Vera and Willis Rose. She was the oldest of five children.

As a child Maxine lived on the family farm in Kola, Manitoba until she moved to Virden to go to high school. After she graduated, she moved to Brandon where she met her first husband, Bill Prysunka. They had two children, Raymond and Dianne.

Maxine enjoyed reading, she always had a book in her hand and would mention that when she was reading it was a chance for her to escape the real world. She also loved Hallmark Christmas movies, The Price is Right, camping and traveling.

Church was an important part of Maxine’s life; she attended services weekly and even met up with a group of ladies for bible study, they became quite close and began celebrating each other’s birthdays and special occasions.

Maxine was always known for having a side gig, whether it be selling Mary Kay, or JewelWay which took her to Australia and England.

Maxine worked at BMHC for 36 years. She worked as a nurse’s aide then a dental nurse. At age 38 she enrolled in the Psychiatric Nursing Program graduating with honors in 1976. She was awarded the Baragar gold medal for nursing excellence. She worked as an RPN until retirement in 1994. She continued to use her psychiatric training to volunteer as a crisis counsellor at the YWCA women’s shelter, Samaritan House and at Seniors for Seniors providing footcare. Those in her care were respected and supported.

In 2004 she was introduced to her second husband Norman Smith by his sister Bev, where they had their first date at a UCT picnic. They were married for over 20 years.

Maxine was a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother. She will be remembered for her kind heart and big, beautiful smile. Maxine was the heart and soul of the family. She will be dearly missed by her husband Norman, daughter Dianne Hebner (David), grandson Darren Hebner (Kena Olsen), brother Clayton Rose (Karen), and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son Raymond (Percy) Prysunka, brothers Clark Rose, Jerry Rose and sister Linda Ferris.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Fairview Personal Care Home for the wonderful care they gave to Maxine in her final years.

A Celebration of Maxine’s life will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Memories Chapel – 330 18th Street North, Brandon, Manitoba.

Donations in Maxine’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.