Maxine S. (Hertel) Steeves

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maxine S. (Hertel) Steeves age 95, longtime resident of Newburyport, a woman of strength, wisdom and grace, she passed peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Maxine was the devoted wife and partner of Rev. Bertrand H. Steeves for 68 wonderful years. She will be forever cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Born on March 29, 1929, in Fitchburg, she was the beloved daughter of the late Max and Emma (Lamothe) Hertel. After graduating from Fitchburg State Teachers College with a bachelor’s degree in education, she sought to educate the minds of young people in the communities of Fitchburg and Leominster, Massachusetts. This drive would continue later with private tutoring at home for students and adults with learning disabilities.

In 1952, she married the one and only love of her life, Bertrand H. Steeves, (save for a lighthearted crush on author A.D.III, which was well known to Bert and the family).

From 1956 – 1994, she joined her husband and his calling to the First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist Church in “Yankee City” (Newburyport), where she was not just the First Lady but a passionate advocate for justice and civil rights. Here, as the powerful woman she was, she stood by his side fighting racial injustices, LGBTQ and Civil Rights, even going as far as to go out in the middle of the night to spray paint over neo-Nazi skinhead graffiti like some kind of ninja for justice. She marched with MLK and fostered a small child from Kenya, who grew up to have a large part in South Africa apartheid. At home, she hosted dignitaries from across the globe and shared with them an average life in a small New England community. In these roles, she maintained her grace, wisdom, and a sense of delightful humor as she flourished and touched the lives of countless individuals, all of whom loved and respected her. Through this work she was recognized with many accolades and tributes including entrance into the Clara Barton Sisterhood, honoring her enduring legacy of courage and compassion.

Maxine and her family enjoyed many wonderful summers at their cottage in Fryeburg Maine, soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of their surroundings. She was also known to bring English flashcards along on these summer vacations, much to the dismay of her children. As if that wasn’t enough, she also forced anyone present to play Scrabble (which she always won and knew she would). If you knew the difference between “There” and “Their”, you had her undivided attention.

With her devotion to the English language, her life experiences in and out of the church, involvement in a writing club and just maybe emulation of A.D.III, at the age of 72, Maxine became a published author of booklets, “Glimpses of the Past” and “Root and Branches”.

The gift of her life will continue to be treasured by her children, Jonathan R. Steeves and his children, Stephanie L., Samantha L. Steeves Horrock and Justin Steeves and their mother Debra A. (Baikewicz) Steeves; Kathryn W. Steeves and husband Stephen I. Weiss, and their children, Nathaniel J.S. Weiss and Jacob E.W. Steeves and grand-stepson Aaron and his family; and Christopher I. Steeves and husband Thomas J. Brewer and grand-step daughter Jennifer and her family, along with extended family and dear friends which were many. Maxine’s impact extended beyond her family to countless individuals within the communities of Newburyport, Fryeburg, and up and down the coast, where she created lasting bonds of respect and admiration.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist and the Newburyport Public Library where she enjoyed a good book sale especially during buck-a-bag day.

The family will have a burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport, sometime in August of 2025, where Bert and Maxine will be laid to eternal rest together. Arrangements were made by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.
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