Maxine Archambault

All who knew Maxine Archambault would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was a hardworking and determined woman who was well known in the community she called home throughout her life. The matriarch of her family, a more devoted family woman would be hard to find, and it was easy to see that Maxines loved ones were her greatest blessing. She maintained an active lifestyle and especially enjoyed being outdoors. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Maxine created a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts. It was great to be an American during the decade that is often recalled as the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was taking places we had never been while technology was transforming the way we lived our daily lives. The Charleston and jazz music were among the latest trends, and motion pictures came to life in both color and sound, bringing an end to the silent film era. Amidst this exciting time, Joseph and Beulah (Brink) McGoran were preparing for an exciting time in their own lives as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as fall colored the city of Muskegon, Michigan, in all her beauty in 1926. The big day finally arrived on October 29th when the baby girl they named Maxine drew her first breath. She was the fourth of six children in her family and was raised in North Muskegon alongside her siblings, Terrance Ted Lanning, Betty McGoran, William McGoran, Mae McGoran, and Jerry McGoran. Although she was born on the 29th, Maxines official birthdate is listed as the 30th since that is when the birth certificate was registered. In many ways Maxine was a young girl of her generation. Her father worked at Continental Motors while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy as a homemaker. As a student Maxine attended North Muskegon Elementary and North Muskegon Junior High. While growing up she enjoyed things like walking to Muskegon Lake to go fishing and getting together with extended family members to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maxine went on to graduate from North Muskegon High School in 1944. Not to be forgotten during Maxines years as a young woman was her introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Walter Archambault, and they met before he was shipped out to serve during WWII. He asked for permission to write to her while he was gone, and Maxine was more than happy to accept that offer. In corresponding through letters, they fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Maxine and Walter were united in marriage on February 8, 1946. Together they were blessed with the births of three children including Thomas is 1946, Terry in 1948, and Steve in 1952, however, they were deeply saddened with the death of Thomas just shortly after he was born. At first the Archambault family lived in Muskegon, but they later moved to Whitehall. As a family they enjoyed traveling up to the Upper Peninsula and spending time at the cabin as well as annual vacations to cabins on Blue Lake and Fife Lake. It was quite something to remember when they went to their cabin for the first time. It was the dead of winter and the cabin was in disrepair. The wind was howling through the cracks, making the cold weather even colder, and to keep warm they broke up old furniture and walls to fill the pot belly stove with, allowing them to be a bit warmer. Maxine was a no-nonsense kind of mom who was an active part of her childrens lives including as a Cub Scout leader for Steve. No matter what her kids were doing, Maxine was there to be a part and to cheer them on as well. She was always fair and covered her children with unconditional love. In addition to caring for her family, Maxine kept busy in other ways as well. She made a career with Montgomery Ward, first becoming the assistant manager and then the manager at the Muskegon location and later as the manager at their location in Grand Haven. In addition to her work, Maxine enjoyed things like square dancing, bowling, golfing, and of course, fishing. She also enjoyed making her own crafts, and traveling throughout Michigan with her daughter-in-law Demra to sell her crafts at art shows. Some of her closest friends were Alma Fox, Beverly Galbreath, and Glades Tetzlaff. A vital part of her community, Maxine served on the school board for Phillips School. After 18 years of dedicated service, Maxine retired in the early eighties. Retirement provided her with more time to spend with the people and things she loved. Maxine was the one who hosted all family gatherings for celebrations and holidays, and she also hosted everyone on Wednesday nights when they watched Survivor together and had dinner. The Archambaults also had fun playing cards and Yahtzee together on holidays. Throughout her life, Maxine was always the glue that held the family together. For years she enjoyed the companionship of her pets including her dogs, Tiger and Bacon, and her cat, Pooper. Maxine kept busy for as long as she was able with things like cooking, gardening, playing Scrabble, and fishing with her boys. Perhaps the things Maxine treasured most during her later years was becoming a grandmother to the four most amazing grandchildren. She was always there for Abby and Stephen during their bowling tournaments as well as for Tristans gymnastics, Adam's soccer games and baking with Abby. Fishing was something they often enjoyed as a family, and whenever there was a school function for any of her grandchildren Maxine was sure to come. Thoughtful, generous, and gracious, Maxine Archambault made a significant impact in the lives of everyone she met. She was never one to worry about building wealth or gaining possessions, rather, she made it her priority to live fully in the moments she was given while holding her loved ones near. Maxine worked hard, but she also took the time to enjoy life along the way, and a friend of Maxines was a friend for life. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Maxine Archambault died on Friday, June 19, 2015. Maxines family includes her sons, Terry Archambault, Steven (Demra) Archambault; grandchildren, Adam (Diana) Archambault, Tristan Archambault, Stephen (Cayla) Archambault, Abby Archambault; daughter-in-law, Julia Archambault; brother, Gerald (Sally) McGoran; sister, Mae Harris; sisters-in-law, Julia Lanning, Joyce Bogue, Delores (Bill) Lebaron; brother-in-law Floyd (Ann) Archambault; special cousins, Greg Lancaster & Steve Reeves. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter; son, Thomas Michael McGoran; brothers, Richard McGoran, William McGoran, Terrance Lanning; sister, Betty Howard. Services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Interment in Fruitland Township Cemetery. Visit with Maxines family and friends on Sunday, June 28, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Monday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.