OTTUMWA - Susan Genevieve "Tudy" McDermott Maxwell passed away peacefully on April 12, 2012, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Born to Genevieve and John E. McDermott on April 28, 1935, Tudy was the longest baby on record at the Ottumwa Hospital. Tudy was the middle child of three sisters, both of whom she adored and lost too early to cancer, Maryan, her older sister, at age 33, and Linda, the younger, at age 55.
Tudy attended the University of Iowa, following her dream of becoming a child psychologist. Tudy chose marriage and family over finishing her degree. She was, however, fond of saying that, "after 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, I have earned by PhD in child psychology!"
There was no pastime, hobby or role that Tudy loved more than being a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. In fact, she was "Grandma Tudy" to far more than her own brood. Whether it was frying up her famous chicken, whipping up a pan of lasagna or delivering a batch of ginger snaps, Tudy genuinely enjoyed doing for others. Tudy found delight in connecting with people. She thrived on family gatherings, entertaining her children and their friends, reuniting with her chums from childhood and belonging to a variety of fun groups with her many dear friends. Tudy also found a kind word for every salesclerk, phone representative or stranger she encountered in her daily life. The friendships she made endured to the end.
Tudy was diagnosed with melanoma six weeks before her death. Prior to her passing, Tudy expressed that she had plans, dreams and experiences yet to be explored. She had hoped to attend the many graduations, birthdays, weddings and celebrations that lie ahead. That said, her heart's greatest desire was to be a positive role model for her children and her grandchildren. This she accomplished. As she prepared to leave this world, Tudy exemplified strength, courage, beauty and grace.
Tudy is survived by her four children and their families, Kathy Maxwell, Pt. Reyes Station, Calif., and her children, Matt, Charlie and Genevieve "Rosie" Wiggins, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte; Maryan Ackley and husband Steve and their children, Kate, Lucie and Charlie, Atherton, Calif.; Charlie Maxwell and wife Tara and their children, Bennett, Grace and Cole, Eden Prairie, Minn.; John Maxwell and wife Chris and their children, Jack, Maddie and Andyi, Menio Park, Calif.
Tudy is also survived by her beloved nieces, nephews and their families, as well as her many, many friends. Not to be forgotten are her loyal "grand dogs," who brought her great joy. We will all miss her radiant smile, her twinkling eyes and her class act style. Most of all, we will miss her love. We feel very blessed that she was our mother.
There will be many celebrations of her life in the various locations she called home, which will be determined at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, Pathways Hospice or Assisted Pet Program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
Born to Genevieve and John E. McDermott on April 28, 1935, Tudy was the longest baby on record at the Ottumwa Hospital. Tudy was the middle child of three sisters, both of whom she adored and lost too early to cancer, Maryan, her older sister, at age 33, and Linda, the younger, at age 55.
Tudy attended the University of Iowa, following her dream of becoming a child psychologist. Tudy chose marriage and family over finishing her degree. She was, however, fond of saying that, "after 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, I have earned by PhD in child psychology!"
There was no pastime, hobby or role that Tudy loved more than being a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. In fact, she was "Grandma Tudy" to far more than her own brood. Whether it was frying up her famous chicken, whipping up a pan of lasagna or delivering a batch of ginger snaps, Tudy genuinely enjoyed doing for others. Tudy found delight in connecting with people. She thrived on family gatherings, entertaining her children and their friends, reuniting with her chums from childhood and belonging to a variety of fun groups with her many dear friends. Tudy also found a kind word for every salesclerk, phone representative or stranger she encountered in her daily life. The friendships she made endured to the end.
Tudy was diagnosed with melanoma six weeks before her death. Prior to her passing, Tudy expressed that she had plans, dreams and experiences yet to be explored. She had hoped to attend the many graduations, birthdays, weddings and celebrations that lie ahead. That said, her heart's greatest desire was to be a positive role model for her children and her grandchildren. This she accomplished. As she prepared to leave this world, Tudy exemplified strength, courage, beauty and grace.
Tudy is survived by her four children and their families, Kathy Maxwell, Pt. Reyes Station, Calif., and her children, Matt, Charlie and Genevieve "Rosie" Wiggins, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte; Maryan Ackley and husband Steve and their children, Kate, Lucie and Charlie, Atherton, Calif.; Charlie Maxwell and wife Tara and their children, Bennett, Grace and Cole, Eden Prairie, Minn.; John Maxwell and wife Chris and their children, Jack, Maddie and Andyi, Menio Park, Calif.
Tudy is also survived by her beloved nieces, nephews and their families, as well as her many, many friends. Not to be forgotten are her loyal "grand dogs," who brought her great joy. We will all miss her radiant smile, her twinkling eyes and her class act style. Most of all, we will miss her love. We feel very blessed that she was our mother.
There will be many celebrations of her life in the various locations she called home, which will be determined at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, Pathways Hospice or Assisted Pet Program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
OTTUMWA - Susan Genevieve "Tudy" McDermott Maxwell passed away peacefully on April 12, 2012, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Born to Genevieve and John E. McDermott on April 28, 1935, Tudy was the longest baby on record at the Ottumwa Hospital. Tudy was the middle child of three sisters, both of whom she adored and lost too early to cancer, Maryan, her older sister, at age 33, and Linda, the younger, at age 55.
Tudy attended the University of Iowa, following her dream of becoming a child psychologist. Tudy chose marriage and family over finishing her degree. She was, however, fond of saying that, "after 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, I have earned by PhD in child psychology!"
There was no pastime, hobby or role that Tudy loved more than being a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. In fact, she was "Grandma Tudy" to far more than her own brood. Whether it was frying up her famous chicken, whipping up a pan of lasagna or delivering a batch of ginger snaps, Tudy genuinely enjoyed doing for others. Tudy found delight in connecting with people. She thrived on family gatherings, entertaining her children and their friends, reuniting with her chums from childhood and belonging to a variety of fun groups with her many dear friends. Tudy also found a kind word for every salesclerk, phone representative or stranger she encountered in her daily life. The friendships she made endured to the end.
Tudy was diagnosed with melanoma six weeks before her death. Prior to her passing, Tudy expressed that she had plans, dreams and experiences yet to be explored. She had hoped to attend the many graduations, birthdays, weddings and celebrations that lie ahead. That said, her heart's greatest desire was to be a positive role model for her children and her grandchildren. This she accomplished. As she prepared to leave this world, Tudy exemplified strength, courage, beauty and grace.
Tudy is survived by her four children and their families, Kathy Maxwell, Pt. Reyes Station, Calif., and her children, Matt, Charlie and Genevieve "Rosie" Wiggins, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte; Maryan Ackley and husband Steve and their children, Kate, Lucie and Charlie, Atherton, Calif.; Charlie Maxwell and wife Tara and their children, Bennett, Grace and Cole, Eden Prairie, Minn.; John Maxwell and wife Chris and their children, Jack, Maddie and Andyi, Menio Park, Calif.
Tudy is also survived by her beloved nieces, nephews and their families, as well as her many, many friends. Not to be forgotten are her loyal "grand dogs," who brought her great joy. We will all miss her radiant smile, her twinkling eyes and her class act style. Most of all, we will miss her love. We feel very blessed that she was our mother.
There will be many celebrations of her life in the various locations she called home, which will be determined at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, Pathways Hospice or Assisted Pet Program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
Born to Genevieve and John E. McDermott on April 28, 1935, Tudy was the longest baby on record at the Ottumwa Hospital. Tudy was the middle child of three sisters, both of whom she adored and lost too early to cancer, Maryan, her older sister, at age 33, and Linda, the younger, at age 55.
Tudy attended the University of Iowa, following her dream of becoming a child psychologist. Tudy chose marriage and family over finishing her degree. She was, however, fond of saying that, "after 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, I have earned by PhD in child psychology!"
There was no pastime, hobby or role that Tudy loved more than being a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. In fact, she was "Grandma Tudy" to far more than her own brood. Whether it was frying up her famous chicken, whipping up a pan of lasagna or delivering a batch of ginger snaps, Tudy genuinely enjoyed doing for others. Tudy found delight in connecting with people. She thrived on family gatherings, entertaining her children and their friends, reuniting with her chums from childhood and belonging to a variety of fun groups with her many dear friends. Tudy also found a kind word for every salesclerk, phone representative or stranger she encountered in her daily life. The friendships she made endured to the end.
Tudy was diagnosed with melanoma six weeks before her death. Prior to her passing, Tudy expressed that she had plans, dreams and experiences yet to be explored. She had hoped to attend the many graduations, birthdays, weddings and celebrations that lie ahead. That said, her heart's greatest desire was to be a positive role model for her children and her grandchildren. This she accomplished. As she prepared to leave this world, Tudy exemplified strength, courage, beauty and grace.
Tudy is survived by her four children and their families, Kathy Maxwell, Pt. Reyes Station, Calif., and her children, Matt, Charlie and Genevieve "Rosie" Wiggins, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte; Maryan Ackley and husband Steve and their children, Kate, Lucie and Charlie, Atherton, Calif.; Charlie Maxwell and wife Tara and their children, Bennett, Grace and Cole, Eden Prairie, Minn.; John Maxwell and wife Chris and their children, Jack, Maddie and Andyi, Menio Park, Calif.
Tudy is also survived by her beloved nieces, nephews and their families, as well as her many, many friends. Not to be forgotten are her loyal "grand dogs," who brought her great joy. We will all miss her radiant smile, her twinkling eyes and her class act style. Most of all, we will miss her love. We feel very blessed that she was our mother.
There will be many celebrations of her life in the various locations she called home, which will be determined at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, Pathways Hospice or Assisted Pet Program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
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