Ducharme, Ruby “Maxine”
January 26, 1930 ~ March 24, 2022
FIDDICK
Maxine Ruby (DODGE) Ducharme
Passed away peacefully on March 24, 2022 at Fiddick’s Nursing Home, Petrolia
Born January 26th 1930 to Lawson and Daisy Dodge. Beloved Wife of John Ducharme (London). Beloved Mother of Mike & Leza Fiddick, Surrogate Mother of Wendy & Ben Sitek and Todd & Darla Fiddick. Devoted Grandmother to Marchan, Johnathan & Zack Fiddick, Mitchel & Corrine Fiddick, Zachary & Colin Wallis & Great Grandmother of many.
Dear Sister of Bill Dodge. Predeceased by Siblings, Betty, Hank, Florence, Jim, Almer, Dorothy, Morley & Gerry.
Maxine Fiddick was a force to be reckoned with, her greatest aspiration in life was that of caring for people. All People. Maxine’s compassion & empathy were her greatest attributes; mix that with a brilliant mind, incredible business savvy, ceaseless energy and an overwhelming desire to help community, that was Maxine Fiddick.
In 1968 Maxine began the legacy of providing care to thousands of people. Maxine’s motto from the very beginning was to “treat every resident at Fiddicks Nursing and Retirement Home, as if they were your most beloved family member.” Maxine loved her family, her residents and her devoted team.
Maxine was not an easy boss, her standards were high and she demanded the very best from her team, especially from her son Mike, who worked hand in hand with Maxine for more then 35 years.
Traditions were important to Maxine. Her nurses wore white uniform and cap. Cleanliness was beyond militant, all food was homemade and of the finest ingredients. Nothing was not too good for her people. Pie or cookies must be served with a scoop of ice cream and bread must be buttered from crust to crust.
Maxine was a trailblazer, with a vision of future. Maxine brought that vision to her several terms sitting on The Petrolia Town Council and as a Board Member of The District Health Council. Maxine was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. A supporter of numerous projects toward the betterment of community and local charities.
Maxine was a savvy card player, occasional gambler, incredible with trivia and rarely cheated. Maxine loved to laugh, had an incredible sense of humour and could certainly play to a crowd. Maxine was a fine cook and a skilled gardener, she loved her flowers. Purple ones especially. She had the most generous heart and at every parting she would say,
“REMEMBER I LOVE YOU!”
So we will. We will remember and we are better for having known and loved such an extraordinary women.
Thank you to Maxine’s devoted & loving family at Fiddicks Nursing and Retirement Home, who cared for Maxine in her final years. Your devotion and love was shown and felt everyday of her care. She would have been so proud of you all. Special thank you, to Dr. Daniel & the Bluewater Health Team.
Funeral Service
A private funeral took place at STEADMAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, Brigden.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, we ask in the spirit of Maxine Fiddicks heart of giving, donations be made to THE INN OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. “That a warm meal will be shared and communion be felt.” Or to the Alzheimer’s Society-Sarnia Lambton.
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Condolences (28)
A Guide to Death Care in Ontario
To Maxine’s family we are so sorry to hear that your Mom has passed away. We always enjoyed seeing and talking with Maxine when we were at Fiddick’s to visit our Mom. We always had a good laugh. Our sincere sympathy is extended to you and your family at this difficult time. Take care. Love Jim and Shelley Holbrook
Such sad news! Our heartfelt Condolences! Please know you are all in our thoughts and in our prayers! We truly lost a special ambassador for our Community! May God Bless you all during this difficult time!
Denis & Lydia Trottier
I have so many fond memories of Maxine from working at Fiddicks. She was always first to visit the kitchen staff in the morning. When there were events, she always helped do dishes. We will miss her Christmas puddings that she made every year. But most, we will miss her smile. 💞
Sorry for your loss. Both mom and I loved her very much.
Our Sincere Condolences to All
Wayne & Colleen Johnston
Uncle Bill Dodge
Condolences to the Fiddick Family.I worked for Maxine when she had the Nursing Home on Princess St.many years ago. Nancy Hibbert
Dear Fiddick’s family
So sorry to hear of the passing of Maxine,- Mom, Grandma, sister, employer, friend.
We SO appreciated this fine women and the way both she and Mike received our family and made it possible for our Dad, Rev. Gerald Babcock to receive the very best care possible in his final earthly home. He was treated with love and respect even though Alzheimer’s had taken so much from his true personality & life away from him. This family made sure his final 8 months of his life were with dignity, respect, care & so pleasant. She will be missed by many, and may her training live on in future staff and generations to come.. In our thoughts and prayers
A trail blazer for certain! Maxine was an extraordinary woman and one whom we admire so. Our condolences to family and friends. May wonderful memories fill your hearts and allow a celebration of a life well lived.
Maxine, a blessing to so many, may you rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Lori and Pete 💓
Our sympathies to the Fiddick family. Such a strong caring women who went out of her way for her residents and never too busy to have a chat.
We appreciate the hard work she did for the town of Petrolia..a well respected lady!
To the Fiddick family, I am so sorry to hear about your Mother/Grandmother. I knew her when she served on the District Health Council. She was very involved in her community and worked to address health care needs. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
She was an amazing woman, loved by anyone who knew her. I will remember her for her humour, confidence and strength while working with her at the Dairy Case Convenience stores and restaurant in Strathroy and while growing up in Strathroy and friends of her children. Thinking of you all with love
My sympathy to all of Maxine’s families .May all the Retirement Homes Nursing Homes in Ontario work to keep their homes to the high standard Maxine did in Fiddicks .She left many mememories for families over the years from 1968 to 2022 which all will continue to share. She now is at peace and at rest .Blessings
Our sincere sympathy to the Fiddick Family! Many fond memories of Maxine through the years from the famous cookies while on an ambulance run to days on the Petrolia council to looking after our parents at the retirement and nursing home. She was a great longtime friend and will be truly missed by our community.
Sorry for your loss she was a Wonderful Lady. Both my mother and I Loved her dearly.
So sorry to hear of her passing. One can hope her legacy of caring will go on. Rest in peace Maxine.
God received another Angel, Rest easy old girl you have earned it. Thinking of those that loved Mother, “What’s good about it “ will always bring a smile to many. 💕 Cheryl PSW
To the Fiddick and Dodge families,
So sorry to read about the passing of Maxine. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories bring you peace.
Michael and Cathy
A life well lived. Maxine was truly a wonderful person. Rest In Peace “Mother”. You will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the Fiddick families.
Ahh so sorry to hear this sad news . Maxine was a fine lady in many ways. I had the pleasure of making lunch for her and her sons when I owned the tea room . She was a very kind and generous lady and treated everyone with the utmost respect . She will be dearly missed . Mary and Greg Colley
Extending our deepest sympathies to the Fiddick Family. May memories of Maxine bring you comfort during the coming days.
Mayor Loosley, Council & Staff
Mike, Leza and the Fiddick Family. I have known Maxine my entire life and had been so inspired by her strong, independent, loving and caring manner. It’s time for her to rest……..she will be missed by so many in the the lives that she touched….oxoxoxo Julie Colledge-Marsh.
It is a wonderful day when you can say you knew a truly great women. A trial blazer, someone with good strong work ethics and family values. You will be missed. A well spent life, now ended but not forgotten.
Condolences to Mike and family.
Beautiful words for a very beautiful person. Maxine, you touched so many, including myself. You will always be in our hearts.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Maxine’s passing. While working at Fiddicks over the last year, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Maxine. She was always making myself and everyone around us chuckle. From showing off her newest haircut to trying to give everyone treats, she kept us all laughing. I know I am not alone when I say she will be dearly missed.
My condolences to the family and friends of Maxine as well as the staff and residents at Fiddick’s Nursing Home and Retirement Home.
My deepest sympathies to the family. Maxine was a wonderful, feisty, energetic lady. I am happy I got the chance to meet her. Rest easy sweet lady, you will be missed by many.
Mike, Leza and family, our sincere condolences in the passing of Maxine. Hugs to all
Oh Mother Maxine. We came to know each other fairly well over the last 3 years. I met Maxine when I was working on the retirement floor, where she lived. Then when she moved to the nursing home side, I had finished my PSW school so I followed her! She always joked about that. Maxine also became friends with my great Grandma Melba who also lives at Fiddicks, they were table mates. So while I was working the 3 of us would chat, and I really cherished those times. Maxine was a brilliant, driven, hilarious woman. In the time I knew her, she was always so thankful and welcoming to us as her PSW’s. I would bend down to help her with her shoes or pick something up and she’d insist that I be careful not to hurt my back or my knees lol. She knew the demands of the healthcare field better than anyone, and she taught me so much. I’ll have a place in my heart for you forever Mother!!
She was the greatest lady in the world her sense of humour and her and my secret times together will always be with me and paige remembers all her trips uptown and to her house even if paige was called the lazy housekeeper and me the old girl we enjoyed her very much mike leza and family my thoughts are with you linda japp and family and paige wilson