Maxine Okonski

Maxine Okonski, age 87 years of Niles, Michigan died on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Lakeland Hospital in Niles following a brief illness. She was born August 6, 1928 in Niles to Clarence B. and Dorothy M. (Cormany) Webber.

Maxine worked for Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles and enjoyed crafts like making dolls and crocheting. She would often go to garage sales or spend some time at the slot machines. She was a loving mother and was known for stating her strong opinions, but with her great sense of humor. She enjoyed cooking and food and looked forward to Sunday dinners with her family.

On February 24, 1950 in Angola, Indiana, Maxine married William “Bill” Okonski, Sr. with whom she celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary, before his passing on April 27, 1997. Maxine was also preceded in death by a grandson, Brandon Okonski; a brother, Vern Webber and two sisters, Virginia Crawford and Phyllis Burney.

Surviving family includes four children, Scott Okonski of Niles, William (& Barbara Fox) Okonski, Jr. of Dowagiac, Michigan, Phyllis Jo (& Henry) Duminie of Vandalia, Michigan and Sue Ellen (& Mike) Okonksi Pierce of Niles; grandchildren, Scott Okonski, Jr., William (& Kim) Okonski, III, Shannon Okonski, Stacey Okonski, Josh (& Amanda) Kehoe, Phillip (& Christie) Carter, Sr.; great-grandchildren, Averie, Gavin, Noah and Gabrielle Okonski, Ariana, Easton, and Jacob Kehoe, Mariah and Phillip, Jr. Carter, Nicholas and Ariana Oaks, Dominic Reaume and Brandon Martin; Maxine’s sister, Lillian Campbell of Kalamazoo and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Maxine Okonski will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Jeff Whittaker of Michiana Christian Embassy, officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations in memory of Maxine may be made to the family. www.halbritterfunerals.com