Obituary of Elizabeth Maxwell

Marie Elizabeth Maxwell, 91, of Rector, PA completed her earthly journey at the Loyalhanna Care Center, Latrobe, PA. on December 9, 2020 due to the corona virus. She was the daughter of Albert and Anne Smith of Huyton, Liverpool, England. Elizabeth began her nursing career at the age of 16 as a Junior Nurse. She graduated as Nurse of the Year from the Edinburgh General Hospital as an R.N. and later as a Midwife S.C.M. from the Liverpool General Hospital. She met her husband. Rev. Dr. R. Bruce Maxwell at a Christian Holiday Mansion where he was working as a youth leader. They were married in England in 1956 and served together beginning in Royton Lance Church for five years. Then accepted a call to serve the Commonwealth Missionary in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia. Elizabeth soon found the local hospital and enrolled as an R.N. in the emergency wing. At the opening of a new maternity hospital in Latrobe, Tasmania, she was hired as a sister in charge of the night shift. She returned to England with her husband who became pastor of a Cathedral built in 1662 as the first Protestant Church in West England. She and her husband then traveled to the U.S.A., Pennsylvania, and served churches in New Alexandria for 17 years, Swissvale for 13 years, Irwin for 3 years, Boswell for 8 years, and finally Seward for 3 years. Elizabeth’s love for music led her to become a member of the Greensburg Choral Society as a soprano for 27 years. Retirement for Elizabeth was short lived when she fell and broke her hip. She then became a resident at the Loyalhanna Care Center where she received excellent hospice care with the help of doctors, nurses, and aides. Her husband was able to visit her every day until the pandemic closed visitation. He then was able to visit her through the window along with their golden retriever, Bonnie, who would jump up to the window to say hello. Our heart goes out to the thousands who lost loved ones due to the virus. We are most grateful to the Redstone Presbytery for their ongoing support, for the many cards, letters, phone calls, and prayers we received during our time of great sorrow. Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 64 years, Rev. Dr. R. Bruce Maxwell, her son, Andrew and his wife Jennifer, grandchildren Emily and Robert, all of Rector. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Latrobe Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Latrobe, PA. A private committal service for the family will be held during the afternoon at the Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Ligonier, PA. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home, Inc. 7441 Washington Street, Swissvale, PA. www.niedfuneralhome.com