Maxine, born February 27, 1927 in Lafayette, Colorado to Caroline Schweiger and Albin Nelson, passed away peacefully with her 3 daughters surrounding her on October 6, 2021. Living 94 years she saw so many changes during her journey through life.
She went to school in Lafayette and met her husband Kenneth Spruce. They were high school sweethearts. One story was Ken had to ride his bike to school from the hill, in what is now Spruce Meadows (155th and Federal) all the way to Lafayette. After school Maxine would take his bike and ride it to her house and he would have to walk to her house in order to pick it up. A great plan to see him!
Ken joined the Army and Maxine attended Colorado University Nursing School to become a Registered Nurse during WWII. They were married August 29, 1948, for 59 years and lived their entire lives in their farmhouse in Broomfield that Ken built and raised their 3 daughters.
Maxine was a Veteran of the Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII, pediatric RN Nurse at Denver General, Adams 12 School Nurse for 25 years, Migrant worker nurse during summers, and a Hospice Nurse. Teaching piano and accordion lessons to daughters and neighborhood children, Nursing skills in 4-H, and the Neighborhood Club were also a huge part of her life.
Family was always her top priority and Holidays and special occasions were spent together. She would entertain family and friends playing the piano and accordion.
Maxine truly was an inspiration showing kindness, always a sharp mind, and compassion for all. She was extraordinary and truly will be missed.
Maxine is survived by her three daughters: Carol (Richard) Parrill, Linda (Chuck) Swain, Mary Ellen (Rick) Doukakis, 4 Grandchildren: Scott, Travis (Erin), Shawn (Andrea), Kristen (Franco), and 12 great grandchildren: Samantha, Braidy, Chance, Jackson, Kendrick, Katherine, Charlotte, Regan, Colston, Davin, Hudson, Tennyson. Preceded in Death by Husband Kenneth, Grandson Ricky, Brother William, and other relatives.
Mass for Maxine will be on Friday, October 15 at 11:00 AM at Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church, 900 W Midway Blvd. in Broomfield. Reception to follow Mass at church and Interment at Highland Cemetery in Thornton 2:00 PM.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetic Association (Barbara Davis Clinic). Children's Hospital, or own choice in memory of Maxine.
