Maxine Lowe

Maxine Evans Lowe, 95, of Topeka passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016 at her residence. She was born Emerna Maxine Evans on August 18, 1920 to Emerson and Vera Rodgers Evans. She graduated from Seaman High School where she met and later married Thomas (Tom) Lowe on December 28, 1941 in Kansas City. She graduated from Dodds Business School and worked throughout World War II while Tom was serving in Europe. He preceded her in death on November 27, 1977. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Marijean Gillgannon, on September 11, 2009 and brother Vernon Evans on June 12, 2014. She is survived by her son, John Lowe, daughter-in-law Mary Jo Lowe, grandson Thomas Lowe, wife Brandi, great-grandson Greyson, granddaughter Mindy Gillgannon and great-grandson Brayden, grandson Troy Gillgannon, wife Becky, great-grandsons Jessie and Kyler, son-in-law Mike Gillgannon and sister-in-law Jean Evans of Safford, AZ. For 36 years Maxine was known to residents of North Topeka as the Cemetery Lady, helping people through the most difficult times of their lives, as manager of Rochester Cemetery. Maxine and Tom took over management of the cemetery after the death of her father and after Tom’s death, Maxine took the lead. Memorial weekend each year meant helping Mom prepare the cemetery to look its best and handing out flags to car after car of visitors. She knew the cemetery like the back of her hand, very seldom having to rely on written records to find the grave of a loved one for a visitor. The most important thing she learned from her father was to stay with the deceased while the family was in the cemetery. She let them know they weren’t leaving their loved one alone. To see her standing there was a comfort to a great many people. Maxine was a member of American Legion Post 400, serving as chaplain of the post auxiliary for more than six years. She also popped “the best popcorn in town” at the Legion Post Bingo on Monday and Thursday nights for 12 years. It may be a surprise to many North Topeka “youngsters”, but she was also the Easter Bunny at the annual Legion Easter Egg Hunt. She was a member of North Topeka Baptist Church for 75 years, serving as Primary School Superintendent, Reception Chairman, Financial Secretary and one of the founders of North Topeka Baptist VIP Luncheon. What began almost 50 years ago as a weekly gathering every Friday of members from several Topeka churches for fellowship and a meal continues to this day. Even after she was unable to drive, her son John took a break from work to pick her up at her apartment every Friday, deliver her to VIP and back to her apartment. Alzheimer’s disease stole many of her memories, but knowing she was going to VIP “was a treat and made her happy, happy, happy”! Maxine will lie in state at Davidson Funeral Home beginning Tuesday, March 22nd at 4:00 PM. Services will be held Wednesday, March 23rd at 10:30 AM at North Topeka Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to VIP at North Topeka Baptist Church, 123 NW Gordon St., Topeka, KS 66608 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 3625 SW 29th St. #102, Topeka, KS 66614. Davidson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.