Maxine Louise Austin

SIDNEY – Maxine Louise Austin, 86, passed away May 13, 2025, as the result of Alzheimer’s. She was born in Dover-Foxcroft, on Nov. 2, 1938, to Walter Lougee and Alberta (LaGross) Lougee. Maxine was a graduate of Foxcroft Academy, class of 1957, and the Waterville School of Automation. She also attended the University of Maine at Augusta. Maxine worked several jobs and climbed the professional ladder to a very successful career. Some positions she held include telephone operator, stitcher for Dexter Shoe Company, and a data entry clerk for the Department of Public Safety, a skill she also taught others. In 1978 she joined Digital Equipment Corporation where she started as a computer board assembler, then took classes at UMA to earn a promotion to Accounts Payable Supervisor, then Purchasing Manager, and eventually a Software Consultant for Electronic Data Interchange. She retired from Digital in 1992, but then rejoined the workforce as Assistant to the Controller at Valmet Corporation, with duties including accounts payable and receivable. From there, she became Purchasing Manager at Edwards Manufacturing in Pittsfield, from where she officially retired in 1996. In retirement she worked part-time at State Cable TV in Augusta and Mung Bean gift shop in Boothbay Harbor, while spending summers at Shore Hills Campground with her husband. Maxine was past president of the Maine State Employees Association, Kennebec Chapter. While serving as a member of the Council for MSEA in the 1970s, she was a member of the negotiating team for the first employees’ contract for state workers and received a commendation from Governor Longley for her dedication to the State of Maine. Maxine enjoyed needlework, jigsaw puzzles, reading, attending her grandchildren’s and nieces’ sporting events, and spending time with family and friends, often putting her sharp wit and sense of humor on display. She spent many summer days at the Popham Beach with her daughter and grandchildren searching for sand dollars and seashells. Maxine was a lifelong athlete who enjoyed golfing, bowling, and basketball. She was Maine State Foul Shooting Champion in 1956. Maxine was a talented seamstress who made all of her daughter’s prom dresses among other creations. She was also a great cook who managed to always have a home cooked meal on the table for dinner during her very demanding working years, and helped make her grandchildren’s homemade character birthday cakes, which they enjoyed immensely. You could often find Maxine at craft shows selling her wares as a gifted tole painter. She was a member of the Tole ‘n Me Chapter of the Society of Decorative Painters, where she served as Vice President, and was a member of the Artistree Association. Maxine also volunteered as an usher (Angel) at the Waterville Opera House for several years. Maxine is predeceased by her parents, her husband Dale Austin, brother Malcolm Lougee, stepdaughter Polly Austin, and stepson Timothy Austin. She is survived by her daughter Renee Page and husband Richard of Farmingdale, and two very special grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Avery Page of Portland, and Elijah Page of Farmingdale. She is also survived by her brothers Walter Lougee of Williamsburg Township, Onie Lougee (and wife Martha) of Harmony, stepchildren Janet Desjardins of Augusta, Sharon Soble of Florida, Shari Austin of Virginia, David Austin (and wife Linda) of Albion, 10 step grandchildren, 16 stepgreat- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend gratitude for the loving care Maxine received at Bedside Manor Memory Care facility in Oakland. A graveside service at Reynolds Hill Cemetery in Sidney will be held on June 5 at 1 p.m.