Maxine Schlenker Johnson

Maxine was born December 2, 1925, in Fresno, California. She passed away April 22, 2011, at the age of 85. She graduated from South Gate High School in 1943. She graduated from California Hospital where she became a Registered Nurse. While a student at California Hospital one of her fellow nursing students introduced Maxine to her older brother who became the love of her life. Soon after graduation she married Jonathan Schlenker. Maxine wanted to complete her bachelor’s degree; she graduated in 1950 with her B.S.R.N. Jon and Maxine spent most of their 41 years together in La Crescenta and La Canada raising their three daughters; Kathy Soden and Kerry Custer both of Upland and youngest daughter, Kim Buckingham, of Sedro Woolley, WA. Maxine was filled with compassion and interest in others and worked for many years in hospitals and doctor offices in the Glendale, CA area. Several years after the death of her husband in 1990, Maxine moved to Upland Hills to be closer to two of her daughters. However, she continued to drive two days a week back to Glendale to golf and be with her many friends from Chevy Chase Country Club. It was there she met then married Walter Johnson in 2005. She moved back to the Glendale area before moving to Hillcrest Homes in 2008 where she lived her last three years.

Maxine and her family were active members of the Pasadena Church of the Brethren. They spent time as youth leaders and enjoyed monthly pinochle game nights with close friends from the church.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Walter Johnson; three daughters listed above; two grandsons, Ryan and David; five granddaughters, Brooke, Kimber, Andrea, Kariannn and Kelsey and four great grandsons.

A memorial service will be held for Maxine on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Maury Smeltzer Lounge in Birch Court at Hillcrest Homes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Heifer Project at www.heifer.org or by calling 1-888-548-6437.