Doris (Maxine) Palczynski

HERKIMER - Doris (Maxine) Palczynski, 90 years old, passed away on April 25, 2024, at Albany Medical Center, with her family at her side, as she left this world. She succumbed to injuries received in a motor vehicle accident while turning into her driveway.

Maxine was born on June 21, 1933, in Laurel Hill (Scotland County) North Carolina, the daughter of Sarah Ammons and Barden Ward. She was united in marriage to the late Francis (Hank) Palczynski in Ilion United Methodist Church, on March 21, 1959. Hank passed away on November 25, 2018.

Maxine graduated from Ilion High School, Elmira College (Bachelor’s Degree) and received her Master’s Degree from Syracuse University. She began her career in Utica as a Social Worker and transitioned to teaching and was a reading specialist for the Mohawk Central School District for 30+ years. She continued to enjoy giving the gift of reading to others throughout her life.

Surviving Maxine are son, Francis Palczynski II and daughter-in-law, Letha, of Herkimer; daughter, Judy Palczynski and partner, Mike Shaul, of Whitefish, MT; granddaughter, Alexa Palczynski (Alexa-pie, Apple of My Eye); grandson, Francis (Trey) Palczynski III (Trey Boy); nieces, Julie Poetto and husband, Paul, Joan Guild and husband, Don, and Carol Venezio and husband, Jim, of Guilderland, NY; along with many great-nieces and nephews; teacher and high school friends, especially Georgette LaPorte, with whom she spent many hours each week.

She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters- in-law, Joseph and Ann Palczynski and John and Catherine Jackamorch.

Maxine and Hank made traveling during their school vacations a priority, showing their children every corner of the United States and spending fun-filled times with their extended camping family, the Shauls, Dunns, Biasinis and Jesses.

Maxine was a vibrant, feisty, determined and strong woman who was proud of her frugal Scottish heritage. When making purchases, she often noted it was “the Scot in me” when she chose the least expensive option. In contrast, she was extremely generous to her family and causes about which she cared.

Little known facts about Max:
She was a fencer and was a member of the National Champion fencing team at Elmira College.
She rode her exercise bike every day to the end.
She loved rainy gloomy days and MSNBC, endlessly. . .
She was a lapsed Republican who, much to her family’s chagrin, became involved in local politics late in life 
She was an avid reader (just ask the library!) and lifelong learner.
She loved her weekly hair salon visits, monthly pedicures and the camaraderie at Revelations Salon and Spa.
She loved cooking for her family (with recipe in hand!)
She reluctantly started using an iPhone at age 85 and used it to track her daily steps and to call and message her family and friends, mostly intentionally.
She believed, “Flowers are good for the soul,” and enjoyed her springtime ritual of “Flower Therapy” trips to the greenhouse to select plants for her garden.
She loved her church family and recently completed a Bible Study with her church group and was eagerly looking forward to the next session.

Maxine was a spiritual woman and enjoyed receiving and displaying angel ornaments and decorations in her home and now Maxine is an angel watching over all of us.

The family extends their sincere gratitude for the compassionate emergency care of their mother to MOVAC, Bassett Little Falls Hospital, Albany Medical Center, NYS State Troopers, East Herkimer Fire Department, LifeNet Helicopter Medics, other first responders and the good Samaritans who stopped to assist at the accident scene.

Calling hours are Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, in Herkimer and relatives and friends are invited to attend from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. and will conclude with a Funeral Prayer Service. Private interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer.

For those wishing to do so, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Herkimer / Little Falls First United Methodist Church, 127 N. Prospect St., Herkimer, NY 13350, or Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corp (MOVAC), 15 New York 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407-4700.

Maxine’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315-866-1011).

Online condolences may be left at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.