F. Maxine LaFountaine

F. Maxine LaFountaine, age 99, a lifelong resident of New Philadelphia, died peacefully late Tuesday morning in Country Club Retirement Center following a brief stay. Born at her family home on Tuscarawas Avenue, New Philadelphia, February 19, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Orr and Eliza Florence Weyandt Wilson. As a child, Maxine belonged to the Church of the United Brethren, and frequently gave speeches to her faith community on the scripture lesson of the day through her elocution classes. She attended New Philadelphia High School, and went to work as a young lady in the former F.W. Woolworth Variety Store. On November 19, 1933, Maxine married John R. LaFountaine, Jr., and later joined him in the ownership and operation of LaFountaine’s Variety Store, which was opened as the New York Racket Store in 1909 by John’s parents. Once married, Maxine became a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and was active in Esther Circle, the former C.L.A.D. and frequently helped with serving funeral dinners. At home, Maxine enjoyed quilting, sewing and crocheting. Known as “Deedaw” to her family and close friends, she’ll be remembered as a loving mother and homemaker, grandmother and great-grandmother. Survivors include her son, John R. “Jack” LaFountaine III of Bowerston, OH, Patricia Ann Barnes of New Philadelphia, and Mary E. Mann of Grayson, KY. Seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren complete the family. In addition to her parents, Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 1972, as well as a brother, two sisters, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter. The Rev. Stephen L. Patrick will lead a funeral celebrating Maxine’s life Saturday morning at 11 in the chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial alongside her husband will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. A luncheon reception will be served in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, at the conclusion of the service. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622