Jessie Vera Bice Maxwell

Jessie Vera Bice Maxwell died on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Jessie was born Sept. 22, 1914, in Ellensberg, Wash., to Vera Jessie and William Regan — both deceased.

Jessie attended grade school in Ellensberg and Beverly, Wash. Jessie's mother was a telegrapher for the railroad. She attended Holy Angels Boarding School in Seattle for two years and then returned to Ellensberg, where she graduated in 1930. She then attended Normal School in Ellensberg and graduated in 1933 with a degree in education. She continued her education at Eastern Washington University.

Jessie's first job was in North Bend, Wash., where she taught fifth grade for three years. She then taught in Cle Elum, Wash., and Renton, Wash.

She met and married Alden Newell Bice in 1940. She worked as a demurrage clerk during World War II, and then moved to Spokane, Wash., in 1948.

She subsequently taught school in Spokane at Grant, Bancroft, Garfield, Audabon and Finch as a special reading teacher until her retirement after 34 years of teaching.

Jessie married Stanton O. Maxwell in 1974 and moved to their home in Sandpoint, Idaho. Stan Maxwell passed away in 1992, and Jessie continued to live at the family home until her passing.

Jessie had an active interest in music, and played the piano and organ for several churches in the Sandpoint area.

She was a 55-year member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was also a member of both the National Education Association and Washington Education Association. She was the current treasurer of the Sandpoint Senior Center.

Jessie is survived by her daughter, Vera-Ellen (Bice) Shadduck, of Renton, Wash. Her son, Ellis-Richard Bice preceded her in death. She also is survived by two granddaughters, Kinda (Jon) Keane and Kiantha Shadduck, and a great-granddaughter, Tasia McClinton. She is also survived by two stepsons, Robert (Luu) Maxwell and Gary (Patricia) Maxwell, as well as their families.

Jessie will be interred in a private ceremony at Riverside Mausoleum, in Spokane. A gathering of friends and family in remembrance will be held at the Sandpoint Senior Center on Friday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m., followed by a brunch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sandpoint Senior Center.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.