Obituary of Loretta A. Maxwell-Muir

On May 17, 2023, Loretta passed peacefully from this life with family beside her in her Milwaukie, Oregon home. She was born in Spokane, Washington on July 13th, 1932, to her parents Ina I. and John P. Gleason. Loretta was the youngest of five children and the apple of her father’s eye. Loretta grew up in a loving family home, filled with siblings, spouses, nieces, nephews, games and activity. She led a rich social life, participated in the student body and graduated from North Central High School in Spokane, WA. Always brave and adventurous, she continued her education at Western Washington College. There she met and married her former husband, Peter. They then moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Together they adopted three children, whom they adored. While in Canada, Loretta expanded her social circle, as well as her family. She became a proficient Bridge player, an excellent seamstress and was a member of the Oil Wives. Loretta returned with her children to Spokane, WA for a brief period before settling in Milwaukie, OR. Her proficiency in shorthand, organization, stenography and being an exceptional typist, she built her career as an executive secretary, working for VP Bill Ulrich on the 31st floor of the US Bank Tower in downtown Portland. They shared a relationship of mutual admiration and respect. Upon retirement, Loretta wanted to see the world! Documenting her love for international travel and experiencing new cultures, she trained her eye on photography and her thoughts on journaling. Visiting over 27 countries and islands, she shared many of these experiences with her beloved friends and family. After traveling abroad, she enjoyed trips to Hood River, Seattle, Spokane, and the Oregon Coast. Her home was filled with beautiful plants, friends, family, and card games. Teaching many friends and family her favorite card games gave her much joy. Proudly she accepted the nickname “Sharkey” at the nickel poker games she played with her friends. Loretta’s tenacious spirit, authentic self and devoted heart to her family and community was and is an inspiration to her family and friends. Her life was rich, challenging, fulfilling, and rewarding. Dedicating over half her life to local communities, her mentorship, leadership and strength were felt throughout the circles she became a part of. Thanking God for her family, amazing friends and for 47 years of sobriety, she lived a fulfilled, amazingly beautiful life. She will be celebrated, cherished, fondly remembered and dearly missed. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband, her three sisters, InaMae, Esther, Evelyn and her brother Bob. She leaves behind her three children and their spouses; Denise Leigh (Glenn), Gregory Vary (Leann), and Roderic Paul (Melissa); eight grandchildren; Hannah, Lucas, Jacob, Kenny, Zachary, Corey, Tucker and Penelope and two great-grandchildren; Finley and Vaeda.