Cathy Joann Maxwell

Cathy Joann Maxwell 64, of Flat Rock, Illinois passed away peacefully in her home on November 4, 2020, at 12:45 p.m. She was born August 8,1956, in Mt. Vernon, IL, the daughter of Franklin D. Work & Patsy Joann (Piercy) Work, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Parker Maxwell, whom she married on January 28th, during the "Blizzard of '78". She is also survived by her daughters, Sarah Elizabeth Maxwell & Chad Rice, and her expected first grandson (all of Flat Rock, IL) and Ashley Joann Milam & son-in-law, David Milam (Spokane WA); by two granddaughters, Parker Jean Milam and Avery Joann Milam (Spokane, WA); and by her younger brother, Cliff Work (Tampa, FL). Cathy was also a beloved "Nana" to nine other loved children: Nathan, Hannah, Tommy, Mariah, William, Savannah, Shaylee, Owen, and Derek (all of Mt. Carmel, IL). Cathy grew up in the St. Louis area before she and her family moved to Robinson when she was a young girl. A 1975 graduate of Robinson High School, she would eventually further her education at Lincoln Trail College, where she earned a degree in nursing. This allowed her to follow her dreams of becoming an OB nurse, and over the last 10 years, had the distinct privilege of delivering babies into this world. Away from work, Cathy saturated herself with all that life has to offer. She loved music, and often expressed this love through dance. She took every opportunity to experience the beauty of the world around her by going on rides with Parker on their motorcycles. A creative soul, she found great joy in crafting trinkets that her family will have to treasure for years to come. They, along with her many, many friends, will remember Cathy as a woman whose heart beat for others. This truth was evident in the kindness she expressed to animals, especially her fur-babies. In fact, this passion led her to donate countless hours of her time to the Crawford County Humane Society, where she volunteered for many years. Her selflessness was also obvious in the love she so freely gave to her family. Anyone who knew her could attest to the fact that being a "Nana" was the greatest joy of her life, and that Cathy was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, "Nana", and friend. Though she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, we find peace knowing that her love lives on in our hearts. A public visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, most of the family will not be in attendance in an effort to keep the number of people gathered to under 25. Please note that social distancing measures will be in place, and that it will be required that all visitors wear face coverings while in the building. Memorials may be made to the "Crawford County Humane Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.