Irma Lee Maxwell

On Friday June 3, 2016, Irma (Bunny) Maxwell passed. After a battle with respiratory disease for almost 20 years, she took her last few breaths and was asked to take her place in heaven.   She had a smile and presence that lighten up the room.  Irma was our family’s center and core.  As Norm was in the Army and often on temporary assignments, she taught her children their ABCs and 123s; the importance of family, friends and faith; to always finish what they started; and to help others.  People Norm worked with and new friends they met in the various places they lived were always welcome to the family.  She could magically take a plan for a small meal and create a feast as we all would bring friends or guest by at the last minute.  Have you ever had peanut butter on pancakes? Irma grew up on a Nebraska farm as a member of the McNurlin family (a bit Irish?) before moving to Omaha. She shared responsibilities, clothes, and rooms with eight siblings.  Electricity, running water, an inside bathroom, and being able to listen to the radio for one hour each night were special gifts that eventually came after moving to the city.  She got a job as soon as she could, working at a movie theatre and Pharmacy soda shop where she first met Norm.  Irma was so taken by Norm that she would forget to put the bananas in his banana split.  Irma and Norm’s first date was to an all night skate party where participants would get a free turkey if you stayed the whole time.  They left an hour before it ended and was together every since.  They shared many adventures and travels. Twenty-two years of these adventures and travels were as members of the US Army, where they met and still correspond with many friends. Her siblings have been sharing memories of her growing up to include how she would defend her brother Gary, adventures on the farm, losing a new pair of shoes because she didn’t like them, going everywhere barefoot, and more. Birthday, anniversaries, holidays, graduations, etc. were always celebrated. Family gathering were so important to her.  Irma was an amazing cook and would make special cakes and other treats.  Birthday always meant being able to pick one of our favorite meals and the dessert with no limits.  Irma was the rock and foundation for her family and friends. Her strength and guidance will continue to carry us all.   She always put everyone before herself.  We will forever miss her loving hugs, the sparkling light in her eyes, the glow of joy that came over her when family visited, the pride in her voice as she talked with or spoke about her grandkids, great grandkids, children, and family.  Relax and breathe peacefully now. Run free.  You will always be with us. Heaven has truly gained a beautiful angel.  In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Irma Maxwell may be directed to support the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical System Foundation. Please make checks payable to: University of Maryland Medical System Foundation. Gifts may be mailed with a memo indicating that this gift is in memory of Irma Maxwell to the UMMS Foundation, 110 S. Paca St. 9th floor, Baltimore, MD 21201 or gifts can be made online at www.ummsfoundation.org/give.