Cover photo for Maxine  Madeline Steffens's Obituary
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1920 Maxine 2018

Maxine Madeline Steffens

November 21, 1920 — April 15, 2018

Maxine Madeline Crowson, 97, was born at home in Dover MN on November 21, 1920. She died Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester.
She spent her early years on a farm near St. Charles with her parents, Alfred and Cora Crowson, and siblings Lawrence, Gerald (Ty), and Irene. She contracted polio at 11 and was bedridden for two years. Her mother helped her regain the ability to walk by wrapping her legs in hot wool blankets and daily massage. Her formal education ended at an early age, but she was a lifelong learner who loved to read.

Maxine married Laurence Steffens on June 26, 1939. They had eight children. Dad died in 1999. They lost Kim in infancy and Tom at age 12 to drowning. Eldest daughter Sharon died in 2014.

She is survived by sons Richard (Ella) of Maricopa, AZ; Michael (Joan) of Owatonna; and Scott (Fay) of Prescott, AZ. Daughters Jill (Brad) Lines of Indio, CA; and Lori (Mike) Coutier of Dover. She is also survived by her brother, Ty Crowson, 15 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We enjoyed many years of camping with extended family at 'the Land' near Lake City. After dad's retirement from the Rochester Fire Department, they lived in Taos, NM for two years. Maxine loved spending the winters in San Diego with their grandchildren.

As children, our fondest memories of our mom were spent reading, cooking, eating, and just talking. Mom was the best listener and instinctively knew how to make us feel better with her own mixture of humility, common sense, true wisdom, and lots of humor.

Mom has lived at Cottagewood Cottages for the past 11 years. Our family would like to thank the staff at Cottagewood for her care during this time. Particularly Phyllis, Julie, Carol and Hannah who became part of our family. Thank you for your love and compassion, we are forever indebted to you.

During her last days, her Lewy Body dementia disease took over and she was comforted with the help of Heartland Hospice. We are grateful for Katie's experience and sharing her knowledge about the disease.

Our mother was a peaceful beautiful soul and she will be greatly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her. She will be in our thoughts often, and our hearts always.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018 from 4-6 pm, with a short memorial service starting at 6 pm at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Rochester Chapel, 1624 37th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in
Maxine's name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association for research into causes and cures.

Visitation

MAY 23. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel
1624 37th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Memorial Service

MAY 23. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel
1624 37th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Graveside Service

MAY 25 (CDT)

Grandview Memorial Gardens
1300 Marion Road SE
Rochester, MN 55904
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Maxine Madeline Steffens, please visit our flower store.

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