Brenda Hannigan Maxim of Charlestown, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 23, 2024. She was born Nov. 4, 1961, in Brockton, Mass. and grew up in the Plymouth/Halifax area with her three older sisters. She was a lifelong animal lover and had a beloved quarter horse named Kelly. She enjoyed spending time in the woodshop with her father and treasured family time.
Brenda married Henry Maxim on April 10, 1982, and began their lives together in Massachusetts. The couple bred, raised and raced greyhounds for many years. In 1989, they moved to Charlestown with their three-year-old daughter Rachel. Their son Corey was born soon after and their daughter Julie was born 10 years later.
She worked as a paraeducator for children with special needs in the Fall Mountain School District and the Claremont School District for 25 years and absolutely adored the children and her job. She also worked part time at Dan's Max Saver in Charlestown. Brenda loved playing Bingo weekly with her best friend Judy Wood and daughter Rachel. She was an active supporter of her daughter's participation in 4-H and Fall Mountain Special Olympics. She attended Trinity Evangelical Free Church of Windsor, Vt. for the last five years. She adored her dog, Brody. Her greatest love was her two-year-old grandson, and she was eager to meet her next grandchild who is due in January.
Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Wayne and Barbara Hannigan, and her sister Susan (Hannigan) Lannin. She is survived by her husband Henry; her children Rachel Maxim of Charlestown, Corey Maxim of Swanzey and Julie (Maxim) and Samuel Cannistraci and her grandson, Elliott, and future grandson (due in January) of Ascutney, Vt.; and her sisters, Karen (Hannigan) and Paul O'Flaherty and Deborah (Hannigan) and Stephen Long; as well as beloved extended family and friends, including the Maple Avenue Elementary School family.
Calling hours will be held on Oct. 5, 2024, 2 to 2:30 p.m. and a casual celebration of life will be held directly following from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 44 Main St., Windsor, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fall Mountain Special Olympics.
Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad St., Claremont. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.