Maxine Theresa Orts Albrecht, beloved wife and mother, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on November 4, 2012. Maxine was born to August and Annie (Oehler) Orts in Poth, Texas on September 15, 1925, the middle of five girls. She attended Poth Schools and was her senior class valedictorian and drum major.

After high school, she attended business school in San Antonio. In 1947, she met the love of her life, Donald Walter Albrecht, when he offered to mow her landlady's lawn. They married in 1948 and later settled back in Poth, where she lived for the next 60 years. A working mother from the greatest generation, she commuted to downtown San Antonio daily to work as a legal secretary at Denman Franklin and Denman, a position she held for 52 years.

She retired in 1997 to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. For many summers, Maxine and Don took the grandchildren on road trips to see some of America's hidden gems. Maxine kept her mind sharp through a daily regimen of reading and breezing through the New York Times daily crossword. Maxine's home was a haven for her children and grandchildren, who would either call ahead with a specific meal request or just show up at her door. Either way, they would be spoiled and want to stay all day. Maxine was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Poth, where she assisted with many parish activities. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters and the Sultanas de Bejar. Though she left her mark on the community, her greatest legacy to her family is her 64-year marriage to Don. Her grandchildren loved watching them together and are so grateful for their blueprint. Though we will miss Maxine terribly, we are so happy for her.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mildred Moore, aunt Helen Schneider and son-in-law Wayne Nance. She is survived by her loving husband Don; her son Donald Albrecht, Jr. and wife Jeanne; daughter Karen Albrecht Nance; and sisters Isabel Kelley, Verna Mae Lyon and Imogene "Jeanie" Stoeltje. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Jack (Allison) Albrecht, Erin Albrecht, Alison (Travis) Wiatrek, Mark (Diane) Sekula, Caroline (Michael) Ellis, Michael Camacho and Daniel Camacho; and two great-grandsons, Noah Sekula and Shane Wiatrek.

The family is grateful to her caregivers, Grace Rocha and Helen Holland, for their gentle and compassionate care during the last months of her life.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 8, at Vinyard Funeral Home in Poth, with recitation of the Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, November 9 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Poth, with visitation one hour prior to the mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.