Submitted by: Dan Rich

Maxine Szucs

Oct. 26, 1920 - March 22, 2003

South Bend Tribune 3/23/2003

Maxine, known affectionately as "Mom" and "Grandma in the Country," went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at Regency Place of South Bend while peacefully asleep. Mom was born on October 26, 1920, the daughter of Linville and Amy (Howard) Whitaker in Salyersville, KY, and came as a young child to South Bend.

As Maxine Whitaker, she married Paul L. Szucs Sr. on December 10, 1938. He preceded her in death on November 12, 1985. Survivors include 4 daughters, 2 sons and their spouses: Norma Toth and husband, Donald, Granger, IN, Cecelia Sherwood and husband, Donald, Sarasota, FL, Sandra Szynski and husband, Walter, North Liberty, IN, Karen Ukele and husband, Barry, Mishawaka, IN, Paul L. Szucs Jr. and wife, Diane, South Bend, IN, and Thomas Szucs, South Bend, IN. Mom leaves 15 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren to cherish her memory. Also surviving are one brother, 4 sisters and their spouses: Morris Whitaker and wife, Dovie, North Liberty, IN, Christine Nowaczewski and husband, Stanley, South Bend, IN, Aileen Davison, South Bend, IN, Jean Gyori and husband, George, Cassopolis, MI, Sherry Rockhill and husband, Alan, South Bend, IN.

Mom leaves a legacy for everyone to follow as she was "one tough lady!" She was so much like an oak tree, swayed with the storms, and kept right on going. She especially liked the motto, "It is better to wear out than rust out," and quoted it often. She laughed the loudest and longest and enjoyed life to the fullest. Mom always had a ready smile and never knew a stranger. She enjoyed gatherings with family and friends, gardening, and she was so proud of her flower beds filled with colorful zinnias.

She will always be remembered as a wonderful cook and baking 2 pies every day for many years. Her grandchildren declared her the best "cooker" in the world. Holidays will never be forgotten or will never be the same as each one was held at the farm house on St. Rd. 23 with extended family.

The family will receive visitors for a time of sharing on Monday, March 24th, between 4:00 and 8:00 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 Tuesday, March 25, and burial will follow at Sumption Prairie Cemetery. Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank Faye L. Magneson, M.D., and Milton Gibson, M.D., for the wonderful, faithful, and very competent care they gave to Mom for years. A special thank you to everyone at Regency Place for the care and kindness that was always shown to Mom and whom our family have grown to love. Hospice was the "calming force" in such a difficult time for our family. May God bless each of you "a thousand times over," as you are all very special.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that visitors please bring canned goods and non-perishables to the funeral home which will be donated to the Northern Indiana Food Bank.