Jane Alston Maxwell

Obituary

With deep sorrow we share that Jane Alston Maxwell unexpectedly passed away at her home in Cape Girardeau on August 4, 2025 at the age of 68.

Jane was born on July 9, 1957 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Charles Neville Maxwell III and Patsie Hale Maxwell.

Jane grew up in Carbondale, IL, where she received a bachelors in Psychology in 1979 from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She lived for short periods in Tuscon, AZ, Lawrence, KS, and St. Louis. After returning to Carbondale, she went back to school at SIUC and earned her masters and then PhD in 2008 in Educational Psychology with dissertation “The Adult Child and Aging Parent Dyad: Exploring the Experience of Caregiving and Care Receiving.” She moved to Kirksville, MO in 2006 and Cape Girardeau, MO in 2016.

Over her career as a mental health counselor, she worked at several practices including Truman State University Counseling Services. Her understanding of the human condition and her compassion for others were a guiding force throughout her career. Out of deep curiosity for other people’s life experiences and generosity of her time, she helped countless individuals navigate the most challenging issues in their lives.

Jane was a devoted and loving mother to her daughter, Katherine, and known by her family and friends for her kind, tender-hearted personality. She expressed herself authentically, laughing genuinely and freely, and contributed thoughtful insights to conversations. She was always available to listen and lift others from their sorrows. Overcoming many challenges in her personal life, she remains an inspiration.

Jane’s feminine sophistication did not diminish with age; she smiled gracefully and kindly to everyone she met. She maintained a lifelong passion for the issues women face, and served as president of the National Organization of Women of Northeast Missouri. She was politically active, enjoyed reading and listening to music, took pride in keeping a welcoming home, and cared for animals.

Those who knew Jane will remember her warmth, intellect, and exceptional kindness which she gave so readily.

She is survived by her loving daughter Katherine Maxwell of Austin, TX; sisters, Bess Maxwell (Mary Steele Ferguson) of Raphine, VA, Anna Maxwell Dennis (Jay Dennis) of Winchester, VA, and Mary Maxwell (Lori Alexander) of Bellbrook, OH; and nieces, Georgia Dennis of Winchester, VA, and Carmen Dennis (Daniel Phillips) of Kenmore, WA. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Patsie Maxwell.

A memorial and celebration of life is planned in July 2026. Friends are encouraged to share memories on the page online-tribute.com/jane-a-maxwell. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory can be made to the Survivor Empowerment Center of Carbondale (empoweringsurvivors.org) or the Safe House for Women of Southeast Missouri (semosafehouse.org). 

Miss You

I miss you in the morning, dear,
        When the world is new;
I know the day can bring no joy
        Because it brings not you.
I miss the well-loved voice of you,
        Your tender smile for me,
The charm of you, the joy of your
        Unfailing sympathy.

The world is full of folks, it's true,
        But there was only one of you.

I miss you at the noontide, dear;
        The crowded city street
Seems but a desert now, I walk
        In solitude complete.
I miss your hand beside my own
        The light touch of your hand,
The quick gleam in the eyes of you
        So sure to understand.

The world is full of folks, it's true,
        But there was only one of you.

I miss you in the evening, dear,
        When daylight fades away;
I miss the sheltering arms of you
        To rest me from the day,
I try to think I see you yet
        There where the firelight gleams⸺
Weary at last, I sleep, and still
        I miss you in my dreams.

The world is full of folks, it's true,
        But there was only one of you.

⸺ANONYMOUS

Gallery

Memories

August 29, 2025

1

I have fond memories of growing up on Glenview, even though I didn’t move there until 5th grade. But, there are two distinct memories of Jane, I think of often….
I was fortunate to keep in touch with Jane after we graduated, moved on to jobs and had our own children (each only having one). When I came back to Carbondale to visit my parents, after my son was born, Jane’s house was my refuge, just down the street. I would often need a break from the grandparents and Jane was always happy to offer both a shoulder and an ear!
And, one of my favorite all time stories that Jane liked to tell (and I love re-telling), was when she went to see Jimmy Buffett in concert. After the concert, she and some friends went to a bar with a pool table. In walks Jimmy Buffett and Jane plays pool with him!! In an awesome blaze of coolness, Jane ended up rebuffing (no pun intended) Jimmy Buffett’s advances stating “He was too short!!” I’d like to think that maybe they are both playing a little pool together in heaven, now.
From the comments, it sounds like Jane made a difference in many peoples’ lives. She will be missed. Condolences to Katherine, Bess, Anna and Mary

Vivian Wotiz LaPaglia

August 23, 2025

1

I met Jane while she and I worked together at a mental health agency. I knew she cared so very much about the clients we shared and every other. Every time we saw each other in the years since we always checked in, talked about the crazy state of the union and other things happening around town. She was someone I always looked forward to saying hello to when seeing her out and about. Rest well Jane after a life well lived ❤️

Amber Moyers

August 23, 2025

2

My sister Jane recently enjoyed going to the local recreation center in Cape Girardeau.

Bess Maxwell

August 23, 2025

4

I was so sorry to hear about Jane’s passing. She was a dear soul who I loved very much. She was one of my best friends growing up. I have many memories playing outside, playing games and celebrating birthdays. My dad gave her the nick name ‘Jane Rain’. I went to visit her in Tucson. I would try to see her when I was in Cdale. I missed seeing her at our reunion. I am sending my love and prayers to all. I know how heartbroken you must be.🙏🏻❤️😘

Sally Hines

August 22, 2025

1

I enjoyed knowing Jane personally but want to leave a public thanks here for all her generosity as a mental health professional. Over her years at Truman I was confident when referring students to her. And I’ll never forget her extra work with my Nepali students the year of the devastating earthquake in Kathmandu. Students didn’t know about their family members for many days and weeks. They couldn’t return home , but visa status was running out. No banks were functioning so they couldn’t get money wired to them. Their grief and stress were extreme. But Jane met with many of them and even prepared a group workshop for our Nepali student organization, Namaste Nepal. What a difference she made!

Julie Lochbaum

August 22, 2025

2

I met Bess at Ball State in 1977, and the Maxwell family was the first family I got to know in Carbondale. Jane, and all the Maxwell's, always asked about what I was upto and how I was doing. You know, showing interest! Always present when present. Always making feel grateful for such good people in my life. I'm glad I know Jane.

Roy Sumner

August 21, 2025

4

I have always loved Christmas time, when all the Maxwells would gather at 618 Glenview to eat, drink and be merry for a few days. One of the big delights Jane's breakfast quiche.

One of my silliest memories of Jane, was after a morning news broadcast report a man "was hurt in the scuffle". Jane, confused about what part of the body that was, asked "where the hell's the scuffle?!"

I remember walking into the kitchen to all the sisters in an absolute fit of laughter, Jane included.

She had such a wonderful sense of humor, and I miss her laugh dearly.

Carmen Dennis

August 20, 2025

5

What a beautifully written obituary, Katherine (and family) for your dear mother, sister and friend. Jane was everybit the quiet, caring and sweet soul everyone has described. She showed that gift of caring when my sister and I were trying to rehome my brother's cat 3 years ago after he passed suddenly. After many failed attempts to find his cat a home in So. Il my sister reached out to Jane. Jame immediately stepped in and offered to take the cat but ended up finding the best home a cat could have ,on her friend's farm. Jane even came up to So. Il and took the time to go with us to rehome the cat and introduced us to her friend. I am forever grateful for he time, efforts and caring to see that we accomplished the rehoming. She was a breath of fresh air to us at our difficult time.

Our sincere sympathy to Katherine , Maxwell sisters, extended family and cousins at this time.

Paula Thalman Smith

August 20, 2025

5

I've felt so stunned by this loss. I'll share a little history today.

I remember 3 little girls, dressed similarly in crinolined dresses; short, bowl hair cuts and their very young baby sister. I couldn't understand their Daddy's accent at first. Jane and I immediately bonded over playing with baby dolls and we spent countless hours playing in our basement with donated furniture and clothing. I loved our primitive chat line that began when she moved into a bedroom with a window that faced mine. We'd talk softly, making plans.

Missing you Janiebird.

Sarah Berry

August 19, 2025

4

Growing up on Glenview with Jane and her sisters… so many memories. Riding bikes to Winkler and to Murdale, playing at all of our neighbors houses, birthday parties, sleepovers, playing in the weeds behind her house before it was developed, playing tetherball in the backyard, trick or treating, Christmas caroling… and so many more. Jane had an infectious and memorable laugh and a kind soul to everyone.

Still hard to believe she is gone but she will live in memories for many people.

Wish she had been able to attend our recent 50th high school reunion.

Sharon Miller Ashley

August 19, 2025

1

Jane was my coworker at Truman State University and later, for several months, my counselor. She was a gracious listener and had a gift for reflecting and reframing my experience and helping me see things in fresh contexts. She helped me make some difficult decisions and I will always be grateful to her. I am glad I had the opportunity to know her and work with her.

Jack Holcomb

August 19, 2025

5

Jane and I were in high school together in 1971-72. I was a senior when Jane was a freshman. Sometimes we would borrow each other’s clothes. Jane was more fashion conscious and liked short skirts. She would take my skirts and pin them 3 inches shorter.

Miss you sister.

Bess D Maxwell

August 19, 2025

4

⸻

I was blessed to meet Jane back in junior high school. From the very beginning, she carried herself with a quiet spirit that drew people in—not loud or flashy, but steady and graceful. Her laugh was unforgettable, the kind that could light up a room and linger in your memory long after. She had an air of sophistication about her, even when we were young, as if she had an old soul with wisdom tucked behind her gentle presence.

Through the years, I came to love her for exactly who she was—kind, genuine, and effortlessly elegant. While my heart aches at her passing, I hold onto gratitude for the gift of her friendship and the memories we shared. She will always be a part of me, and her spirit will live on in the quiet moments, the laughter, and the grace that remind me of her.

Denise Cooper Covington

August 18, 2025

4

Jane and Katherine were wonderful neighbors to us in Kirksville (and Tommy, the cat I remember). Katherine was my sweet piano student. To all the family, but especially to Katherine, we are so very, very sorry for the loss of your dear mom. She was so proud of you! Sending our condolences and praying for you as you mourn your deep loss.

Nancy Hueber

August 18, 2025

5

Since I was the youngest sister, I don’t remember much about Jane’s early years. What I do remember is that while Bess, Anna, and I were busy being tomboys—running around with basketballs—Jane was happiest playing dress-up with her dolls. She was definitely the beauty queen of the sisters.

One of my clearest memories of her is from a snowy day when we were little. All the neighborhood kids trudged over to Skyline Drive to sled. I was just a little squirt...probably only 5 or so. I came down with a fever and I’m sure I started whining. Jane dutifully picked me up and carried me all the way home. I don’t even know if she ever got to go back out and sled. Thank you, Jane…and sorry😬.

In these past few years, Jane and I would chat almost every week. Jane was incredibly proud of her daughter, Katherine. You could hear the joy and pride in her voice every single time she talked about her. I’ll miss being able to pick up the phone and check in on her, just to see how her week was going and to hear how Katherine was doing.

Love and miss you, Jane

Mary Maxwell

August 18, 2025

4

Sweet Jane I’d gotten to know much more in recent years.

Yes, we were nominally acquainted in grade school/high school, but being in different grades we were more ‘aware of’ than ‘known to’ each other. (Bess is my age; Jane was younger, my sister’s age.) We started chatting through Facebook, one of those serendipitous things that was a pleasure. I appreciated our exchanges and the depth and breadth of her knowledge and caring. Those couple of years difference that seem so much in high school of course are nothing afterwards. An impressive family, the Maxwells.

Sympathy and love to Bess and sisters.

Sheila Stains

August 18, 2025

5

This will be the first of many memories I will share of Jane, my dear sister.

We were toddlers in Ann Arbor Michigan and I vaguely remember my Nana rocking Jane. When we moved to Tuscaloosa where my father joined the University of Alabama math department, Jane was 2 years old. During her pre-school years Jane loved visiting my grandmother’s big house. Grandma had a wonderful dressing table where Jane would sit for hours playing with her jewelry and make-up.

Grandma had a turquoise Cadillac with yellow leather interior. Jane and I loved going for rides. Just days before Jane died we were laughing about that car.

Miss you dear Jane

Bess D Maxwell

Memorial