Obituary of Maxine Kay Millar

Maxine K. Millar, 87, of State College, died Sunday, February 25, 2024 at her home surrounded by family. Maxine was born July 24, 1936, in Minot, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Max and Amy Allen. On June 9, 1958, she married A. Craig Millar, who passed in 2021. She is survived by her two sons Bill Millar, (Son-in-law, Mark Speight) of Taos, New Mexico and Alex Millar of New York City; four grandchildren, Andrew, Madeline, Sophie, and Max; as well as two sisters, Karen Campbell and Toni Mattelli. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lee Ann Marshall, September 2017.

Maxine graduated from the University of North Dakota with BS/MS degrees in physical education. She worked briefly for a few years as a physical education teacher in Lompoc, California. After moving from California to Grand Forks, North Dakota, she became a mother and a homemaker. In 1968 Maxine, Craig and all three children moved to Rochester, New York where they lived for four years, until Craig took a position at the Pennsylvania State University, in State College, in 1972.

Maxine was an avid runner, tennis player, skier, and became a PA racquetball champion in the mid-70s. She was a home economist, baker, bridge player, and accomplished cook. During the 90s and 2000s, she was a member (and had been president in 96/97) of the Penn State University Women's Club honing her leadership skills. Throughout the late 70s, 80s and 90s she worked as a tour guide for Collegiate Athletic Tours of State College, guiding, organizing and executing PSU football events (including most bowl games) for upwards of 5000 people. This led to her taking a job at Collette Tours of Boston, MA. As a tour guide, her organizational skills and love of people made her a highly desired tour guide providing trips to the Southwest and Western US. She was passionate about her guided tours, always coming home tired but energized and ready for the next one. Maxine and Craig traveled as often as they could and saw many parts of the world.

It was her relationships with her friends and families that she was proud of most. Maxine's legacy is one of love. She taught her children how to love. She would often say if you find one person in your life that loves you and you love them back, you are the lucky one. She was a good friend to so many people and cared for them deeply. After her one true love, Craig, passed away she moved into Harmony at State College where she resided for the last three years. It was said that she brought joy and energy to her fellow residents and the staff that adored her. She would say "yes this is true, but everyone here has brought me joy and a sense of purpose and I am grateful for that." Maxine never gave up on learning something new and moved towards challenges with vigor and grace. She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held in Webster North Dakota at a family gravesite with her remains, as well as her daughter Lee and husband Craig. A life celebration sometime in the spring or early summer is expected to be held in State College PA. Her family asks that any memorial donation be made to the Craig and Maxine Millar Award which honors and recognizes PSU undergrads holding a leadership position and that have made a meaningful contribution to student life, located at: https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/get-involved/student-awards-recognition/individual-awards-scholarships.

Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.