Maxine Genevieve Andrade Carpenter passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024 at the age of 102. She was surrounded by her loved ones as she took her last breath.
Maxine was a Ventura native, born in 1922 to Philip and Bessie Andrade. She was the oldest of three daughters. They grew up living in a home on Front Street, across the railroad tracks, facing the ocean.
Sadly, the girls’ father died when Maxine was only three years old. He owned and operated a small trucking business and was killed when one of the trucks caught on fire. The girls were raised by their young mother, their grandmother, and their Aunt Tillie - women raising women. The family didn’t grow up with a lot of money, but Maxine recalls never feeling like they were poor. The three sisters were rich in the love and laughter between them.
As a young girl, Maxine attended both Holy Cross School, located in the Ventura Mission, and later Lincoln Elementary. During high school she found a love for archery, and she eventually went on to represent Ventura High School in an archery tournament in Long Beach. She graduated from Ventura High School in 1940, excelling in typing and shorthand.
These skills landed her several secretarial jobs, one of which was working for Ventura High School. For many years, she worked in her family’s print shop, Carpenter Letter Shop, which was located on California Street. She worked in several other secretarial positions, including jobs at Girl Friday and a full time position at Texaco in Ventura.
Shortly after high school, World War II broke out. The war was a big part of Maxine’s life and memories. At the start of the war, Maxine and her sisters worked on the Pacific Naval Air Base in Port Hueneme. There, Maxine worked in the Purchasing Department. In her writings, she recalls, “I enjoyed my job… knowing that all purchases were of high priority because of the war.”
Maxine and her sisters contributed to the war effort by regularly attending USO dances, which she recalls being held at the Civic Auditorium, the Green Mill Ballroom, the Castle (also known as Ban Dar), the Ojai Valley Inn, and the Officer’s Club in Port Hueneme. She wrote, “Some were close enough for us to walk in our four-inch heels. Other times we would catch a ride on an Army jeep…”
It was at a USO dance where Maxine first saw the love of her life, Verlyn “Verl” J. Carpenter. She didn’t know his name at the time, and lovingly referred to him as “Pup” because he reminded her of a Saint Bernard pup. The feeling was clearly mutual, as Verl asked her to dance and eventually asked her out on a date. This quickly developed into a relationship and the two dated for nearly three months before Verl was sent overseas to Normandy, France to fight for the Army in World War II.
Verl was away at war for three years. During that time, Verl and Maxine corresponded through hand-written letters. Verl always signed his letters to Maxine, “With love and kisses, Pup.” It was through a letter that Verl asked Maxine to marry him.
On November, 5, 1945, Verl and Maxine were married at the First Methodist Church in Ventura. In 1949, their first born daughter, Diane, was born. Four years later, they had their baby, Jeanne. They raised their family in Montalvo in a home filled with Verl’s woodworking and Maxine’s artistry. They were married for 65 years.
Maxine was extremely talented and enjoyed working with her hands. She had a beautiful garden at her and Verl’s home in Montalvo where she raised orchids, roses, fruit trees, and many more plants and flowers. She dabbled in painting, she had the most beautiful, cursive handwriting, and for many years she and Verl both created arts and crafts that would be displayed at her own table in the Dudley House’s annual holiday boutiques. She always had a project going and it brought her great joy to be active in her yard and art projects. She was an active member of College Methodist Church in Ventura where she taught Sunday school and vacation bible school.
Maxine was the matriarch of our family. Thinking back on all the memories we have of her, you never saw her upset or angry. In every memory, she is smiling and laughing that infectious laugh we will all miss so much. She was a very beautiful and special lady, who we will all miss so dearly.
Maxine is preceded in death by her beloved husband and soulmate, Verlyn J. Carpenter; her parents, Philip and Bessie Andrade; her two beautiful sisters and life-long best friends, Natalie Dawley and Phyllis Whitlock; her Aunt Tillie who helped raise her; many dear friends and classmates; and her white dancing, poodle Mitzi and many other furry friends. Although she is now gone, we are comforted knowing she is reunited with all those who went before her.
Remaining to cherish Maxine’s memory are her two loving daughters, Diane Ellis (Jim) and Jeanne Kaska (Neil); her two grandchildren, Craig and Nicole Ellis; her great-grandchildren, Morgan Ellis and Lance Vargas; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and neighbors.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Thomas McBreen and his staff; the staff at The Palms, where Maxine lived for the last several years of her life; and the doctors and nurses with Assisted Home Health and Hospice who helped care for her in her last moments.
A private graveside service is being held to honor Maxine’s memory and the legacy she has left behind.
In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you take a moment to thank the women in your lives who have raised you and made you who you are. Give those women a hug and kiss and make sure they know how much they mean to you.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.