Maxine S. Gilbert

Maxine Gilbert (nee Smithberger) passed away on June 11, 2021 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was born on March 29, 1928 to Tom and Zita Smithberger, and grew up in Wenona, Illinois. She attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin where she met Joseph Gilbert. They were married on September 9, 1950. Joe and Maxine settled in Madison and raised a son, Ross and daughter, Jeanne. During her career she worked for the State of Wisconsin, World Dairy Expo, Wisconsin State Medical Society and the Interstate Medical Society. She will be remembered as a life-long opera lover, reader and learner. She took and taught several courses on opera for the lifelong learning institute, OLLI. Maxine and Joe travelled widely. Vacations and her professional responsibilities took them across the US and Canada, through Europe and to Asia, Greece, Egypt and Turkey. After she and Joe retired they moved to the Tucson, Arizona area, moving back to Waukesha, Wisconsin in 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, daughter, Jeanne, her parents Tom and Zita Smithberger, and one sister, Rita. Maxine is survived by her son and daughter in law (Ellen), two grandchildren, Kate Gilbert and Victoria (Jason) Kaufmann, a sister, June and brother in law (Maury Miller). After cremation there will be a family memorial celebration. Forever in our heart.