Adored and admired by her family and extended family, Wenona Maxine Sanders (née Craford), March 12, 1928 – January 19, 2022, leaves her son Charles (Gabrielle Loesch]), Toronto, her daughter Kimberley (Peter Enns), Toronto, and grandchildren Avery, Derek, Evan and Elaine Enns. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Dr. Britain Marchand Sanders (May 17, 1925 – April 23, 2011), Maxine, or Max, as she was known to those closest to her, was cherished for her devotion to family, loyalty to friends, for her artistic talent, and zest for entertaining and travel.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Clarence Craford of Blenheim, Ontario, Maxine spoke often of her childhood memories, growing up on the family’s peach farm with brother Lloyd, and sisters Louise and Audrey. The family began documenting their lives through photography very early on, and Maxine carried this passion for photographing her loved ones throughout her own life.

It wasn’t long after beginning her nursing studies, for which she graduated from The Public General Hospital Training School for Nurses in Chatham, Ontario, in 1949, that Maxine met prominent dermatologist Dr. Britain Sanders, affectionately called Brit. Dr. Sanders had a dedicated dermatology practice for over 44 years, and Maxine was by his side, supporting his career and upholding their home through the day to day joy she brought to his life, including their evening ritual of sharing a cocktail while reading the newspaper. She was known to curate elegant dinner parties at their treasured home on Heathcote Avenue in Toronto. Perhaps most anticipated was Maxine’s annual Boxing Day party, which saw the house brimming with over 50 members of extended family, for which she began preparing in the summer months, crafting and creating gifts and décor for guests to enjoy.

Maxine’s crafts were not simple feats. She was an avid artist who worked on her creations daily, through canvas painting, sewing, crocheting, ceramics, pottery, quilting, and decorator dolls. Maxine was a stealthy clothing designer as well, and this led to her insignia label “Made by Maxine”. Soon family, friends and colleagues alike wanted one of Maxine’s famous paisley pant suits, silk dresses, or men’s silk ties that came in a gold box with her initials etched in wax. She showcased her designs, crafts, quilts and ceramics at an annual craft show and sale hosted at her home, with proceeds being given to local charity.

Her true love was, indeed, her home and all the people and activity that flourished in the safety and warmth of its hearth. Maxine was a skilled and adventurous cook, famous for her many sophisticated menus, featuring baked Alaska, lemon meringue pie and her top-secret recipe shortbread cookies.

Maxine and Brit loved travel and nature, enjoying trips to England, Scotland and Wales most, as well as weekend skiing at Horseshoe Valley, and their family holidays to Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph every August. It was at Sherwood that they met the Stuarts family, from Cleveland Ohio, when Brit caught a fish and gave it to the Stuarts’ daughter. A lifelong friendship and summer tradition of boating, water skiing, tennis, and sunset cocktails was formed.

In addition to her immediate family, Maxine was loyal to her extended family, including her sisters’ children and grandchildren. She enthusiastically maintained close relationships with her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, never forgetting a birthday or holiday, for which she sent handwritten cards and letters to all.

A private family burial will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, followed by a celebration of Maxine’s life at a later date.