ROCKFORD, ILL. - Maxine Pittenger Eck, 100, of Rockford, Ill., passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019. She was born June 12, 1919, in Warsaw, Ind., the daughter of Judd H. and Maude Young Pittenger. Her life had been exciting and interesting all the hundred years she had been allotted. Graduated from Warsaw High School and Rush University Chicago as an R.N., she flew as a stewardess for American Airlines before and throughout WWII.
Maxine married Robert D. McLaren in 1943. In 1964, she re-entered the workforce as an RN working at RMH, St. Anthony’s, Rockford Clinic, and as an occupational health nurse for Sundstrand and John S. Barnes Corporation. Later, she served as Otis Skilling’s assistant in music for First Evangelical Free Church, presenting “Splendor & Majesty” and Summerwood Christian services and performances. She traveled throughout the Midwest with the Spring Creek Players. Years of good friendship were spent with her many close friends. Maxine wrote over 1,000 poems, many of which were published. She enjoyed books, genealogy, gardening and water color painting.
She is survived by her beloved children, Robert D. (Cynthia) McLaren II, Nancy L. Layng, and Suzanne McLaren; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents; and brother, William M. Pittenger.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21, in First Evangelical Free Church, Rockford, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
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Memorials may be made to the Northern Illinois Blood Bank 3065 N Perryville Road 61114.
To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.
