Maxine Loss

Wilma “Maxine” Loss passed away peacefully at home, Sunday February 9, 2025, at the age of 96. She was born in Cord, Arkansas on June 14, 1928, and came to California as a child. Watsonville has been her home for most of her life. She met her husband Clayton “Charlie” Loss in 1944 while he was stationed during World War II, at the Watsonville Naval air station now the Watsonville airport. They married in 1945 and had two children, Laura “Darlene” in 1947, and Gary in 1948. Maxine and Charlie were married for 77 years before Charlie’s passing in 2021. 

Maxine was the school secretary at Amesti elementary school for 20 years. Not only was she a devoted mother but her students saw her as a second mother, as well. She was the go-to person for parents and staff and continued many of these relationships long after her retirement. She was the ultimate organizer both at work and at home. She had a passion for caring for others and a big heart. She was a parent-volunteer for Hope Services where her daughter Darlene attended. It was at Hope services where she met the Nielsen family. She and Charlie opened their home to the Nielsen’s son, Joey, when his parents passed. 

Maxine had a soft heart and she and Charlie became a shelter for wayward animals needing a home, a meal or medical treatment. She was an unconditional caretake in her homelife and work life. 

She and Charlie enjoyed their many years together. They traveled to Italy when their son Gary was stationed there while he was in the army. They made several cross-country trips to Baltimore to see Charlie’s family and see the sites along the way. Of course, Maxine recorded them all with her camera. She hosted many gatherings at her home for her friends and family. She always insisted on photos at every gathering even though people would groan about it. What lovely memories she captured. 

Maxine and Charlie loved to dance together. Boy, were they fun to watch as they smoothly glided across the floor in perfect step lovingly smiling at each other. 

Maxine lived independently until she was 94 and cared for her daughter Darlene. She often quoted her mother when things got difficult. She would say, “My mother told me just put one foot in front of the other and go on.” She “thanked God every morning for giving her another day.” 

Maxine leaves her daughter Darlene Loss of the family home, daughter-in-law Irene Vasquez, Watsonville; nephew, Richard Anderson (Jeanne) Watsonville; special friend, Barbara Stymiest, Santa Cruz; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Charlie, son Gary, parents Eunie and Bessie Anderson, and brother James Anderson. Many thanks to her caregivers especially Lynn Tapley of the family home. 

A service will be held on February 28, 2025, at 10 am at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main Street, Watsonville, CA. A private burial will follow. Donations in her memory can be made to the Santa Cruz SPCA or Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. This kindness would surely make her smile.