Maxine Josephine Schiada

Maxine Josephine Schiada, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026 at the age of 89.

Born in Remsen, Iowa on January 18, 1937 to Raymond and Rosena (Thomas) Diekmann, Maxine was the oldest of seven children and was a natural and loving caregiver from a young age. Though she attended the same elementary school in Gardena, California with her future husband, it wasn’t until a community dance after their senior high year that the gentle beauty reconnected with the handsome James Schiada. They married on April 27, 1957 and built a blessed life together, raising their three children in Southern California and Colorado.

Maxine enjoyed all things beautiful. She loved colorful flowers and sparkling crystal. As an artist, many of her paintings were gifted to loved ones, and also adorn the family home. She and Jim enjoyed going to the movies, and though she especially loved eating at restaurants, Maxine was the master of many family recipe favorites. Her generous spirit had her volunteering as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, softball manager and scorekeeper. When teacher Stephanie needed help in her classroom, retired Maxine was her “parent” volunteer.

Maxine was an avid reader and loved to travel with her family. A favorite vacation destination was Hawaii, but she and Jim also traveled the world. Just last month she shared that Hong Kong with her husband was one of her favorite trips. The pair relocated to Oregon in 1984, later settling in Lake Oswego for the past 41 years. Maxine was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church where she volunteered and later worked in the rectory office. Her Catholic faith was central to her life.

Maxine is survived by her best friend and husband of 69 years Jim, daughters Susan (Jay) and Stephanie, grandchildren Caitlin (Asher), Leah (Jordan), Hannah (Ricky), Laurel (Trenton), great-grandchildren Evan, Salem, Krue, Baby Teacup, and sisters Joyce and Donna. Maxine is preceded in death by her son, James II and her four brothers. Maxine lived for her family and loved them with everything she had. Her daughters and granddaughters treasured their mom and Grammy, and will forever be better mothers, godmothers, and caregivers because of the unconditional mother’s and grandmother’s love they witnessed throughout their lives.

Please join us as we celebrate Maxine’s life on Wednesday, July 22nd at Lake Oswego’s Christ Church Episcopal Parish. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 10:15am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00am. A luncheon reception will follow.