Maxine Furlong

In loving memory of Maxine Cothern Furlong 9/1/1927 – 7/18/2008. Born in Portales, New Mexico Maxine died in a cabin under a red quilt surrounded by her children near the Sandy River of Mt. Hood in Zigzag, Oregon.

Maxine had beauty, intelligence and integrity. She was the first Miss Alaska, earned her Doctorate in Psychology, raised five children, and lived a life of Christian values and service to family and others. She was described as sweet, honest, kind, patient, and forgiving. She loved the color pink generally but preferred red accessories and bought a red sports car at the age of seventy. Her children and the neighborhood kids loved to pile on the couch to see the pictures as she read the read Bible. She made good pies, cookies and baking powder biscuits. However, when cooking she lacked her characteristic patience and sautéed everything on high. We will miss her burnt stovetop stuffing at Thanksgiving. In her last days living with Alzheimer's, her wit and humor showed through. As when her son Gary asked if she knew who he was and she replied "yes". Wanting confirmation he asked "what is my name'" with a wry smile she said, "why, did you forget'"

Maxine graduated from Richmond High School in California at age 17 and went to Graceland College to earn her undergraduate degree but interrupted her studies due to financial constraints. In 1949 she travelled to Alaska to earn money to complete her college education. She was attracted to the Miss Alaska contest by the Scholarship fund and became the First contestant to represent Alaska in the Miss America pageant at Atlantic City. After completing her year as Miss Alaska she went to Iowa University and earned her Undergraduate degree in Costume Design and Textiles. After graduating she returned to Alaska where she hosted a radio program. On May 4, 1952 in Fairbanks, Alaska Maxine married Joe Furlong her husband of 55 years. Maxine was a fashion designer and owned the Furlong School of Dress Design where she taught; pattern drafting, sewing, men's tailoring, hat and shoe making for ¬¬¬¬40 Years. Midlife she returned to the University and earned her Doctorate in Psychology.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband M.I. "Joe" Furlong on Feb. 27, 2008. She is survived by three siblings: Peggy Eslinger; Stan and Bob Cothern, five children; Gary, Grady, Barbara, Linda, Rhonda, niece Sandi Axtell and seven grandchildren; Katya and Albert Furlong, Jenna and Elisa Louie, Jordan, Blake and Jackie Garcia.

A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist, 7916 1st Avenue NW, Seattle at 6 p.m. on Friday July 25, 2008. A Funeral Service will be held to celebrate her life at Evergreen-Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle on Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m. followed by a graveside internment. Remembrance may be made by donating to Mt. Hood Hospice in Oregon State, forgiving someone or something, or a random act of kindness made in her memory. You are invited to sign the guest book at Washelli.com.