In Memoriam: Maxine Calvin West
Cathy Keim
Maxine Calvin West, long-time member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, died January 17, 2004, of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Maxine graduated from West Chester State Teacher's College and taught elementary school before marrying Franklin H. West in 1944. In 1954 they settled in Gladwyne where Maxine enjoyed raising her five children and keeping a beautiful home and greenhouse and garden. She was a founding member of the Mill Creek Valley Garden Club where her talents in gardening and flower arranging were highlighted. For more than thirty-five years she was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
After her divorce in 1982, Maxine devoted her energies to her grandchildren and her garden in Gladwyne, which she developed into a sophisticated mini-arboretum, frequented by many garden tours and friends and family. Her collection of rhododendrons, particularly evergreen azaleas, was outstanding.
Maxine served the Greater Philadelphia Chapter as treasurer and membership coordinator. For many years she hosted the annual picnic in her wonderful garden and was always ready to host a tour, help with the Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, the monthly mailing, or refreshments for the meeting. Her love for evergreen azaleas has been noted in the naming of the trophy for the Best Evergreen Azalea in the annual chapter truss show as the Maxine West Trophy.
The Chapter will miss Maxine's wit and wisdom and has sent a memorial contribution to the ARS Research Foundation, Dan Layman Petal Blight Fund, in Maxine's memory.