It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maxine Virginia Oldham at the May Court Hospice on December 11, 2025.
Maxine was born in Vancouver to an Australian father and Canadian mother. When Maxine was three years old the family moved to Australia where she spent her formative years and early life. She made herself a successful career in advertising in Sydney, NSW before returning to Canada in 1969. She then embarked on a multi-faceted career in human resources in various Federal Government departments, including Transport Canada, the Human Rights Commission and the Treasury Board.
In 1983 she met Peter, her husband, an aerospace engineer recruited by Transport Canada from the U.K. They shared a common interest in the outdoors and spent many happy times hiking, canoeing and cross-country skiing with friends in various parts of North America. Maxine decided to share Peter’s enthusiasm for photography which expanded their travel destinations to the U.K and Europe. They held several exhibitions of their work in the Ottawa area. For many years they were both active members and organizers for the RA Photo Club.
Sadly, in 2020, Maxine’s health had declined to an extent that she moved to the Revera (now Venvi) Colonel By retirement home. Peter wishes to acknowledge the care and attention given to Maxine as her health continued to decline. Maxine was a quiet, gentle person much liked by staff and fellow residents alike. A tiny lady with a big heart.
It says much for Maxine’s personality that her friends from her time in Australia have remained in regular contact over the years. Some have visited Ottawa, in the winter even, to see Maxine again.
In the absence of any close family Peter is very grateful for the support, in many forms, from his friends and neighbours.
A special thanks goes Dr Jennifer Brodeur, the nurses and PSW’s at the May Court Hospice for making Maxine’s last days, as peaceful and as pain free as possible. Peter appreciates the support they and the caring volunteers gave him in a very difficult time.
A Celebration of Life for Maxine will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 from 10 am to noon at the Beechwood Funeral Services location. Light refreshments will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the May Court Hospice would be appreciated.