Maxine Kay Allen

Maxine Kay (nee Koss) Allen, 87, died peacefully on December 14, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ where she resided for 46 years. On the day of her death Maxine was surrounded by family and friends. 

Maxine was born in Ionia, Michigan, on July 21, 1936, to Max and Anna Dee (nee Nelson) Koss. Maxine worked in her father’s pharmacy, Koss Rexall Drug Store. Maxine had the quintessential 1940’s upbringing working the soda fountain at her father’s store. Maxine remembered this experience fondly and attributed her work ethic to this experience. During her high school years Maxine immersed herself in the performing arts. One of her proudest accomplishments was achieving the position of Drum Majorette for the Ionia High School marching band. Another highlight in Maxine’s early life was being chosen as the Ionia Free Fair Honey Queen. Maxine enjoyed reading, history, and music. She sang opera and was a gourmet cook.

Maxine was a lifelong learner and a champion for the underdog. As a driven young woman in the 1950’s she attended Michigan State University where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and children’s literature respectively. Her career spanned 50 years. She taught a multitude of grades and served as a school administrator. In her retirement years she supported special education and preschool students. She always had a soft spot for those students who needed her most, even when they didn't know it. In the later part of her life, she pursued studies in Judaism and found a spiritual grace and peace. She will be missed by her former students, colleagues, and fellow seekers.

Maxine (Dommy as she was lovingly known by her grandchildren) was preceded in death by her parents Max and Anna Dee Koss and sister-in-law Carol Koss. She is survived by her brother Lyle Koss; her children, Leisa Tobey (Raymond),Tracy Mahaney (Jim Wilson), Robert Allen (Lisa Kelley); niece, Cathy Koss and nephew, Max Koss (Meg); six grandchildren, Matthew Tobey (Winona), Seth Tobey (Dusty Hays), Jacob Tobey (Sara Watford), Jessie Stepp (Matt), Koss Allen and Ayliffe Allen; five great grandchildren, Willow Tobey, Harvey Tobey, Delilah Tobey, Sheamus Stepp and Emily Joy Stepp;  one cat and several great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kivel Campus of Care and Hospice of the Valley. Both are in Phoenix, AZ.