Maxine Schoenwald passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, her 83rd birthday, at Nathan Adelson Hospice, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
She was born to Moe and Fay (Kessler) Rapchik in Brooklyn, NY, where she was raised and lived until her father introduced her to Arthur Schoenwald, on July 3, 1958, in Monticello, NY. The Fourth of July fireworks started early and so began their lifelong love story (66 years together; 62 years married).
They were married on Nov. 4, 1961, and began their married life in Chicago, IL, so Maxine could support Arthur as he pursued his master’s degree. Soon after, they moved to Brooklyn, NY, where their son, Scott, was born. After moving to Boston so her husband could continue his education, and then to East Brunswick, NJ, their daughter, Ellen, was born and completed their family. They raised their family in Colonia, NJ, until they moved west in 1988.
While in New Jersey, in addition to making her family her priority, Maxine conquered the difficult task of earning her undergraduate degree in sociology from Kean College and then her master’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University, by taking night classes, making her family very proud.
In addition to loving husband, Arthur, Maxine is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Alicia Schoenwald of San Diego, CA; her daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Matthew Schulte of Warwick, RI; and three grandchildren, Micah Schoenwald, and Faythe and Chase Schulte. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Harriet Miller.
Maxine was an avid traveler, enjoyed making ceramics for her friends and special occasions, loved to shop (particularly for her grandchildren), and enjoyed the beautiful home she designed upon a hillside overlooking the Las Vegas Valley. But her true pride and joy were her three grandchildren, whom she adored with all her heart.
Graveside service and burial will be held at 2:ooPM Friday May 31, 2024, inFloral Park Cemetery, 104 Deans Rhode Hall Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ. Memorial contributions in Maxine’s honor can be made to Nathan Adelson Hospice, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (the disease she fought valiantly for several years), or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.
What a beautiful and accomplished woman.
My condolences, very sorry for Ellen’s and your loss.
Matt and Ellen,
My deepest sympathy and warmest condolences to you both and the entire family for the loss of Maxine who, like my Leann, fought bravely for so long. May she be at peace, amen!
Dear Matt and Ellen,
May God welcome Maxine into his Kingdom and give you, your family, and Maxine’s friends peace and comfort.
Andy & Urana
Dear Arthur and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and you family on Maxine’s passing. I find it hard to believe that 36 years have passed since you moved west. You both were often spoken about and remembered as some of our cherish clients. We missed you dearly when you moved away. I’m sitting here in my office looking at the tree of life you sent when my grandfather passed away in 1982 (yes its still alive and we have grown 7 other trees from it’d trimmings) which brought you to mind. Therefore the google search only to find out about Maxine. I’m was sad to read of her passing. My best to you and your family.
Warmest Regards,
Peter II