Maxine Porkka (née Waddell)

February 20, 1932 to September 9, 2024

 

Maxine Mae Porkka passed away after a long, adventurous and productive life at the age of 92 in Red Deer.  She was born in Edmonton, AB on February 20, 1932 to George Waddell and Janet Melville Ritchie Waddell (née Spittal) who had both immigrated from Scotland and met in Canada.  George was a widower with three young children and Janet (Jen) was a single mother also with a young son.  Jen worked as governess and housekeeper for George and his young family.  Maxine’s parents were eventually married. A story right out of “The Sound of Music”, Maxine was the product of this marriage.

At age 12, Maxine moved to Vancouver, BC where she graduated from Lord Byng High School in 1950. Her yearbook entry described her as “the diminutive Social Editor of the school paper who is noted for her contagious laugh and teasing eye.”  This is a quality she maintained throughout her life.

In the early 1950’s, after attending business school, Maxine found herself working in Red Deer at the law firm of Bury, Bury and McKay.  There, she caught the eye of a young lawyer, Roy Porkka, who offered to teach her how to drive. They were married in 1957.

Maxine was well known for her great no nonsense organizational skills that served her well throughout her life. She was very active in community life, serving as President of the Kiwaniannes, Business Manager, Producer and President of Central Alberta Theatre, Census Commissionaire and Campaign Manager for civic and federal politicians to name a few.

Maxine’s favourite musical was, of course, The Sound of Music which mirrored some aspects of her life. She produced the first ever stage presentation of the musical in Red Deer in 1982 for Central Alberta Theatre.

Her organizational skills were also put to the test in organizing and cooking meals for parties for friends and law office clients.  She was often teased about setting the dining room table three days in advance for Christmas meals.

Maxine enjoyed to laugh and tease with a twinkle in her eye.  She relished a good party, dance, enjoyed playing bridge & golf at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club for many years.

Maxine and Roy travelled the world extensively even in the days when international travel was less popular.  Her biggest adventure was an epic girls’ road trip in the early 1970’s with her best friend and neighbour, Mary Purnell, to Hay River, NWT.  Maxine and Roy visited Mexico, Europe, China, Thailand and in later years wintered in Palm Springs.

Maxine enjoyed to read, took courses in interior design and returned to Red Deer College with oldest son Rob in 1977 to hone her accounting skills.

Maxine, the last of her generation, was predeceased by husband Roy 2011, father George Waddell 1972, mother Janet Waddell 1987, half-siblings Colin Waddell 1983, James Ward 1984, Archie Waddell 2006 and Margaret Drewitt 2008.

Maxine is survived by her children Rob, Rick (Marilou), Carol MacNaughton (Mark) and special friend Cindy Bazin (Lawrence) along with grandchildren Randi (David), Blake (Emily), Ryan (Marque) and Peter and great grandchildren Hudson & Landon Dittmer, Miss Blake Wood & several nieces & nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Fund or the Alzheimer Society. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club Saturday, Oct 5 at 2 pm. Condolences may be left at www.reddeerfuneralhome.com

Maxine instilled the values humour, hard work, dependability, punctuality, organization, proper dress, kindness and politeness in her children. These were skills she believed that would help every person climb their mountain.

 

“Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Follow every rainbow
‘Till you find your dream”

 

 

• Date : 2024-09-09
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home