Maxine Owens Lucas

Maxine Lucas was a kind, generous and empathetic person of strong faith who treasured time with her family above all else. She was the nurturer, peacemaker, and the compassionate mother who loved everyone and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Maxine worked hard throughout her life. Full of energy and spirit, at a time when it was not common for women to be career minded, she became a successful business woman. However, her first commitment always remained in being a loving mother and wife and providing a stable home life of faith and family togetherness. Maxine also enjoyed a rich social life traveling around the world, vacationing at their cabin in Baldwin and spending time in Florida during the winter with her beloved husband Nelson. Yet she was happiest of all when she was among her family and friends. A big hug, a kiss on the cheek and a laugh were to be expected whenever Maxine was present.

The year 1927 was a monumental one in regards to technological advancements in America as it was the year that the first all-talking motion picture was produced, Charles Lindbergh took command of the skies, and the Holland Tunnel opened giving cars a route under the Hudson River when traveling between Manhattan and Jersey City. This was a year of celebration as well in the family of Clarence and Dena (Sloothaak) Owen as they welcomed the birth of their first child Maxine in Holland, Michigan, on June 12, 1927.

Living on the city’s north side, Maxine’s father supported the family as owner of a lumber mill. With Holland being a beach town, he built many docks on the Black River and Lake Macatawa. Maxine’s mother cared for six children at home, and being the oldest child, Maxine assumed many responsibilities around the house. She did her fair share of cooking, cleaning and helping care for her younger siblings creating a life-long bond that remains among the extended families to this day.

After graduating from Holland High School in 1945, Maxine went to college in Elkhart, Indiana to earn her Dental Technician certificate while her sweetheart was in the Navy. She had first met the dashing, outgoing Nelson Lucas in 1943 when they were both 16. They got to know each other when Maxine went skating at the roller rink where Nelson was employed as a skate boy. Nelson soon became a regular customer at Cummerford’s restaurant, where Maxine worked. It didn’t take long for a romance to blossom between Nels and Maxine. When Nelson was serving in the Navy during WWII, they continued to correspond regularly. Having fallen deeply in love, they married on April 2, 1948 at her parents’ home and began a beautiful life together.

When she was first married, Maxine worked as a Dental Technician for Dr. VanKley in Zeeland; however, when she and Nels became parents, she devoted herself to her children: Gary born in 1949, Nickey in 1952 and Yvonne in 1954. Family life became challenging when Maxine and Nels learned that 2-year old Nickey was delayed in his mental development. Seeking a “cure” for Nickey, they took him to numerous doctors in several cities, and were hopefully optimistic when they went to see a specialist in Chicago. When they received the diagnosis that there was no cure, they were heartbroken for their sweet little boy. Yet the bond that was formed between mother and child was unbreakable and the commitment of his family was unwavering. Though Maxine cared for Gary and Yvonne with all her heart, the bond she developed with Nickey was unique and special. Even with advancing Alzheimer’s she and Nickey maintained a form of communication that others could not comprehend.

As her children grew older, Maxine went back to work, first as a waitress at the Holland County Club and then venturing into retail. In 1963, Maxine opened and operated Maxine’s Specialties shop in Washington Square, an upscale maternity shop that was one of the first of its kind in west Michigan. Over time, she added baby wear and plus sizes for women. When she began, Maxine was ahead of her time and she found a niche market that became a destination for women from all over West Michigan. This all happened during a time when it was unusual for women be leaders or entrepreneurs, Maxine created a new business that was successful for over 23 years.

Although work was certainly a necessary part of Maxine’s, family time was also of great importance. Like most close families, Christmas and Thanksgiving were annual traditions she looked forward to. She loved the social gatherings where she could spend time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made the most of their time together, delighting them with her homemade goodies. She was an excellent cook who will be remembered for her “Grandma Lucas’ Dutch chocolate cake” and her coconut cream pies. The grandchildren will long remember the green Tupper ware container filled with cookies for them when they went to grandma’s house. Maxine and Nelson also owned a cottage in Baldwin and a home in Florida where many treasured family memories were made. Additionally, she and Nelson enjoyed many vacations together traveling to various places around the world. She also enjoyed singing and dancing with Nelson. Truth is, Maxine loved spending time with her husband, whether at the country club, the Veterans club, or traveling. Following Nelson’s death last January, it became evident to those closest to her that she longed to be with Nelson again soon.

Maxine was involved in the community and many social organizations. She was a life Member of Holland American Legion Post #6, the Ladies Auxiliary of Holland VFW Post #2144, the F.O.P. the Holland, the Holland Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Golf Association, and Ottawa Association for Retarded Children. Like her husband, Maxine was a tireless crusader for children with special needs and was a leader in improving the educational opportunities for these children. She instilled the importance of religion in her children and taught them how caring for others was essential for real happiness in life. Faith was also an important component in her life. She was baptized and raised in the Beechwood Reformed Church and taught her children the importance religion and devotion to God.

Though her family will have many fond memories of Maxine, perhaps she will be most remembered for her dedication to her husband and family, her love of having fun and being around people, and the open compassion she willingly showed for others. There are so many ways in which Maxine Lucas was an extraordinary person leaving many people with numerous precious memories they will forever cherish. She will be dearly missed.

In her later years, Maxine suffered with Alzheimer’s disease, but even toward the end of her life, when others faded from her memory, she knew her son Nickey. Surrounded by her family on Monday, August 16, 2010, Maxine died peacefully at Oak Crest Manor in Holland, Michigan. The Family wishes to thank the Staff at Oak Crest Manor for the terrific care that was given to both Maxine and Nelson over the last several years.

Maxine (Owen) Lucas, age 83 and lifelong Holland resident, was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Nelson Lucas on January 17, 2010 and Brother Charles Owen.

Maxine’s family includes: son Gary and Denise Lucas; son Nickey Lucas; daughter Yvonne Ketchum; four grandchildren, Jodi (Anthony John ) Merren, David Lucas, Samantha (Michael) Daniels, Suzanne (Matthew) Wolters; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Carl and Patricia Owen, Tom and Margaret Owen, Mary and Lyle Mulder, Norma Heidema and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be 1 PM Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at Beechwood Reformed Church of Holland. Visitation will be 3:30 to 7:30 PM Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at The Northwood Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Ave, Holland, MI.

Memorials may be made to the Parkview Home in Zeeland or Kandu Industries.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign Maxine’s online registry, share a photo, or read her life story.