Maxine Helen Witt LaBrecque, 59

Former Bonners Ferry resident Maxine Helen Witt LaBrecque, 59, of Hampton, Ga., passed away Nov. 19, 2007, at Gwinnett County Medical Center-Duluth following a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer.

Maxine was born in Bonners Ferry on Jan. 29, 1948. She was a 1966 graduate of Bonners Ferry High School.

Maxine was employed by Conklin Metal Industries of Atlanta for more than 10 years as an inside sales representative, where she was considered not only a professional but a great friend to customers she had never even met as well.

Maxine was previously employed as a Department of the Army Civilian in Panama and Ft. Sill, Okla.

She was a deaconess at her church and a great caring and giving human being who touched everyone she met.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Norman; son Michael Rehtus of Cumming, Ga., and his wife Christy; a daughter, Stacey Sonnenberg, of Lawrenceville, Ga., and her husband, Jay, and beloved granddaughters, Kourtney and Taylor. She also is survived by siblings James Witt of Kennewick, Wash., and his wife, Adria; William Witt of Fincastle, Va., and his wife, Elizabeth; Kay Fink of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; Sally Sheldon of Post Falls and her husband, Jerry; Jeri Witt-Truesdell and her husband, Eric, and Nancy Carrington, all of Bonners Ferry; Jill Haney of Osbourn and her husband, Mel; Sandy Haag of Grand Haven, Mich.; and Marilyn Dias of Sacramento, Calif.

As dear friends aptly noted, "She had so much enthusiasm, joy and goodness emanating from her .. we all were very fortunate to know a great, great lady, and your perfect partner." A devoted mother, wife, grandmother and friend, she touched more lives than we could ever possibly imagine and the outpouring of love in return has been overwhelming.

The family received friends Saturday, Nov. 24, at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home in Stockbridge, Ga.

A celebration of Maxine's life was held Sunday, Nov. 25, at County Line Congregation Christian Church in Hampton.

Contributions in Maxine's memory can be made to either the American Cancer Society or American Lung Association.