Belle S. Maxwell

Belle S. Maxwell, Trustee and avid supporter of the local Arts and Golf communities. Born in 1923 and raised in Cape Elizabeth Maine, Belle attended and was an alumni supporter to both Westbrook and Bowdoin College where she was inspired by Maine’s coastal landscapes and rugged beauty. It was there she met and married her husband of 59 years Fred W. Maxwell until his passing in 2001. After enjoying a hectic but rewarding career as the wife of a Naval Officer they retired from the Navy in 1962 and the family moved to Seattle to pursue another rewarding career with The Boeing Company. As her family grew and left the fold in the mid-seventies, Belle decided to rekindle her love for art and took several classes at UW in hopes of qualifying for the Docents program at the Seattle Art Museum. She was accepted and went on to be a proud and gifted docent for several years, going on to inspire and mentor others to follow in her footsteps. She joined the Board of Trustees in 1988 and continued to take on other key roles at SAM including the honor of being President of its Board of Trustees from 1996 – 1998. Life moved on but never slowed down. Belle also held a similar passion for the game of golf and enjoyed a long relationship with Sahalee Country Club where she regularly played with friends and colleagues at least twice a week right up until falling ill. All will miss her dogged determination and beautiful swing! Belle is survived by her loving family all of whom live here in the Seattle area which includes three sons Fred III (Dee/Gail), Steve (Blanche), Bruce (Cheryl) with seven grandchildren (Christine, Kimberly, Fred IV, Joe, Graham, Stephanie, and Lizzy) and five great grandchildren (Erika, Taylor, Clara, Madie, and Will). She will be missed by her family and all the wonderful friends that knew her. A Memorial Service and Celebration with be held 2pm Saturday, January 7 at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a membership or donation to the Seattle Art Museum.”