Maxine Celia Nord
Passed: June 10, 2022
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Maxine Celia Nord
Passed: June 10, 2022
Obituary
Maxine was born in Bellingham, Washington to Henry M. Nord and Esther Mabel (Holeman) Nord. Her first home was on the Grandview Road in Custer, WA. As a small child, she moved to Bennett Drive, just outside Bellingham city limits, eventually attending Birchwood Elementary, Whatcom Junior High, and Bellingham High (graduating in 1960).
After getting her BA at Seattle Pacific University, she moved to New York City earning an MA in Economics from Columbia University. After working in economics for several years, she returned to the Pacific Northwest and shortly transitioned to teaching private piano lessons to adults and children, a career she found much more satisfying as she helped many children and adults discover and develop the joy of music.
Maxine was interested her entire life in working toward racial understanding and respect, first toward the Lummi Nation she lived quite close to, and, as her world widened, to African Americans, feeling most at home in a multi racial setting.
She enjoyed her pets, Zumba, drawing, painting, and a good conversation. She loved Jesus, family and friends and her church community.
Maxine is survived by her sister, Donna (Nord) Allred; nephews, John (Elizabeth), Steve, and niece, Kate (Craig); 3 grand-nephews; numerous cousins, notably the 4 who lived nearby and were her “almost sisters,” and their families.
A memorial service is being held Saturday, June 25th, 3:30 PM at the Seattle Mennonite Church.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: June 25, 2022 (3:30 PM)
- Venue: Seattle Mennonite Church
- Location: 3120 NE 125th St. Seattle, WA - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (206) 361-4630
3 responses to Maxine Celia Nord
Pastor Megan Ramer says:
June 20, 2022
Sister Maxine was faithful within our church community in offering her gift of song and her challenge to love our neighbors. I hold Donna and the whole family in my heart and prayers as you grieve. We at Seattle Mennonite Church mourn with you.
Jim Bridges says:
June 23, 2022
My condolences to Maxine’s family. I knew her through her piano playing at Seattle Mennonite Church, and then I got to know her better through helping with transportation between her home with Donna and Seattle Mennonite Church. I especially appreciated her sense of jazz rhyhm on the piano. My partner Renette and I moved to Texas a little over two years ago, so we have neither seen nor visited with Maxine since them. Nonetheless, we shall continue to miss her…
Melinda Hellere says:
July 10, 2022
Good Night, Maxine. I learned so very, very much from you over the years as your student. I have fond memories of our time together and think of you whenever I listen to classical music from the Suzuki Piano Collection.