Diane Jean Maxwell Obituary
Age 81, died in Phoenix, AZ on September 17, 2023.
Diane was born in Scranton, PA and moved to California in 1946 where she was raised and attended Downey High School and graduated in 1960. She was a resident of California until 1990 when she moved to Phoenix, AZ.
Diane Jean Maxwell is survived by her spouse, Tom Russell, children Gail McKay, Ian McKay, Erin Cortell, Denise Russell, Cindy Carpenter, Casey Russell, Colin Russell, Dr. Dianne McKay, Blair McKay, Debbie Pautsch, 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Carolyn Zeuthen, nephews Greg Zeuthen, John Zeuthen and Brian Zeuthen and sister Gail Fraser and brother in law Murdoch Fraser. She is preceded in death by her parents Selwyn and Alberta Maxwell and brother in law Fred Zeuthen.
Diane was known for being cast by Walt Disney himself as Alice in Wonderland for the 1964 World's Fair. The adventure of a lifetime! Her undeniable smile surely is what caught Disney's attention.
Later she pursued a career as a legal secretary and made significant contributions to the field and received many professional accolades.
Diane had a passion for the outdoors, and she enjoyed hiking, biking, body surfing, canoeing and skiing. She was known for completing a 150 mile biking trek between Phoenix and the Colorado River. She was curious by nature and loved exploring the outdoors and had a passion for the beach, rock hunting and discovering all the natural beauty around her. She also had a love for music and books.
She will be remembered for being a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who volunteered for soccer, band, Indian Maidens and the children's schools. It was one of her greatest joys to spend time with her grandchildren.
She was also known for having a heart for service and contributing to her faith community. She volunteered at St. Paul's Catholic Church as a member of the Women's Guild as well as various other projects and groups. The Phoenix Women's Clinic was near and dear to her heart. Her impact on the lives of those she touched is immeasurable, and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A wake will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Hansen Chapel 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church 330 W. Coral Gables Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85023 followed by internment at Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects. There will be a reception following the internment at the home of Tom Russell 15221 N. 10th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85022.
The family has requested donations be made to The Phoenix Women's Clinic 8326 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020 in memory of Diane Jean Maxwell.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care during Diane's final days.
Diane's departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but her legacy will live on in our hearts forever. May she rest in peace.
A live-stream of the rosary can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com.
A recording of the service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com.
