Venita Maxine Bennett

Maxine Bailey Bennett passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 28, 2016. She graduated magna cum laude from University of Utah and married her husband, Lloyd, in 1954. She taught art and history until she had children, and then she devoted herself to rearing her own family while acting as a second mother to many others. After the family moved to Stockton in 1966, she began babysitting the children in her Lincoln Village neighborhood and was host to countless other kids who came over to play. She worked at Village Oaks School for many years, and was loved and appreciated by those who knew her. Maxine's creative talents were endless: she gardened, sewed, and she was a gifted writer and speaker. She baked bread, sprouted wheat, and canned fruit before it was popular again (much to the embarrassment of her children). She was comically frugal, yet generous to a fault, and she always looked for the best in people. Maxine was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and devoted her life to her church and her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of forty nine years, Lloyd, and her grandson Wesley Lamb. She is survived by her four children: Carol Allen (Chuck), Mary Pearson (Ron), Anita McBride (Scott) and Paul Bennett (Yvonne). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brent Lamb, Ryan McBride (Christina), Lauren McBride, and Taylor, Jacques and Hailey Bennett as well as three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 10 am to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 2nd at DeYoung Chapel at 7676 Shoreline Drive. There will be a small graveside ceremony on March 4th at 10 am in Lodi at the Memorial Cemetery on Pine Street. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Hospice of San Joaquin. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice of San Joaquin.