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.
Livre de visiteurs
Linda Brewer
Brian Booker, Australia
Peter, sorry to read of the passing of Maxine. I was just doing family research and found this notice.
Bess Fraser
Peter so sorry for your loss - it was a great pleasure to do creative art with Maxine at Colonel By, I will always remember her happy smile & wonderful painting style. Sending condolences to you and your family.
Dave Elden
So sorry to hear this news. Such a kind and thoughtful lady - and smart, curious and creative.
Trish Lyttle
Peter,
Ernie and I are so sorry for your loss. Maxine was a lovely woman and will be missed.
Lorraine Dodgson
So much to miss about kind and gentle Maxine, whom I met in 1987. Her great love of the outdoors led her to hiking, canoeing, and then photography where she captured the magic she found there - including the heart of Peter.
She loved animals, especially her beloved Kaleigh, on whom she doted. Generous in her support of Community and Mother Nature.
I miss her.
Condolences to you, Peter.
Monique Le Duc
Maxine and I met at Treasury Board some twenty-five years ago. Though we were raised continents apart, we shared common values and interests, as well as the natural affinity of women of shorter stature. I have missed her since the deterioration of her health and I will always remember her cheerful and gracious manner along with her love of nature.. Please accept my sincere sympathies Peter, family and friends.
Maxine was always so cheerful and full of energy whenever I saw her at the RA Photo Club. It is a very sad loss. My condolences to you Peter and to Maxine's friends and family.