Dorothy Jicha Maxwell

Dorothy Jicha Maxwell Born in 1917, in Rocky, Oklahoma, the last child of Cora and Joe Jicha, Dorothy sang, danced, and brought love, hope and humor to all she met over her long life. She modeled for Stanley Marcus in the early days of Neiman-Marcus in Dallas and for several name designers in Los Angeles, where she drew the attention of legendary comedian Jack Benny who asked her to join the cast of Artists and Models. In 1941 Dorothy met, fell in love with, and married Bert Maxwell, Jr. In addition to spurring her husband on to a successful career in insurance and real estate, Dorothy raised three children, Philip Kent, Bert III, and Barry Brent, teaching them to respect others and to love life. As her children were growing up, Dorothy found time to become an active member in the Delphian Society and the Dallas Garden Club. After losing her husband in 1982, and with her children now grown, Dorothy moved to California to spend time with her sister Ruth. In 1989, she moved to Austin and into the Summit at Westlake Hills, where she organized the weekly poetry readings and frequent style shows, brightening the days of all the Summit residents. Predeceasing Dorothy are her husband, Bert; her parents, Joe and Cora; and her sisters—Bess, Ruth, Hazel and Vernoy—and her brother, Elmo. Surviving Dorothy are Philip and Sue Maxwell of Austin; Bert Maxwell III of Dallas; and Barry and Hollister Maxwell of Dallas, and their beautiful children, Meredith Leigh and Miles Brent, who brought such joy to her, especially in her last days. Also surviving Dorothy is her beloved niece, Barbara Breard of Birmingham, who found in Dorothy the “Auntie Mame” she could always confide in; her three wonderful nephews in California, David, Michael and Dick London; and Bob Maxwell of Dallas who she always looked on as one of her own. Graveside services are at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, April 2, 2005. There will be a celebration of Dorothy’s life at the Summit at Westlake Hills in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 9, 2005 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Seton Medical Center, 1201 W. 38th, Austin, Texas 78705 or the American Heart Association, 1700 Rutherford Lane, Austin, Texas 78754. The family expresses its gratitude to the physicians and nurses at Seton Hospital, to the nurses and entire staff at the Summit at Westlake Hills, and to Dorothy’s personal physician, Al Lindsey, for their compassionate care and support through this difficult time. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com