Jane A. Maxwell

IN MEMORY OF: Jane A. Maxwell Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri With deep sorrow we share that Jane Alston Maxwell unexpectedly passed away at her home in Cape Girardeau on August 5, 2025 at the age of 68. Jane was born on July 9, 1957 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Charles Neville Maxwell III and Patsie Hale Maxwell. Jane grew up in Carbondale, IL, where she received a bachelors in Psychology in 1979 from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She lived for short periods in Tucson, AZ, Lawrence, KS, and St. Louis. After returning to Carbondale, she went back to school at SIUC and earned her masters and then PhD in 2008 in Educational Psychology with dissertation “The Adult Child and Aging Parent Dyad: Exploring the Experience of Caregiving and Care Receiving.” She moved to Kirksville, MO in 2006 and Cape Girardeau, MO in 2016. Over her career as a mental health counselor, she worked at several practices including Truman State University Counseling Services. Her understanding of the human condition and her compassion for others were a guiding force throughout her career. Out of deep curiosity for other people’s life experiences and generosity of her time, she helped countless individuals navigate the most challenging issues in their lives. Jane was a devoted and loving mother to her daughter, Katherine, and known by her family and friends for her kind, tender-hearted personality. She expressed herself authentically, laughing genuinely and freely, and contributed thoughtful insights to conversations. She was always available to listen and lift others from their sorrows. Overcoming many challenges in her personal life, she remains an inspiration. Jane’s feminine sophistication did not diminish with age; she smiled gracefully and kindly to everyone she met. She maintained a lifelong passion for the issues women face, and served as president of the National Organization of Women of Northeast Missouri. She was politically active, enjoyed reading and listening to music, took pride in keeping a welcoming home, and cared for animals. Those who knew Jane will remember her warmth, intellect, and exceptional kindness which she gave so readily. She is survived by her loving daughter Katherine Maxwell of Austin, TX; sisters, Bess Maxwell (Mary Steele Ferguson) of Raphine, VA, Anna Maxwell Dennis (Jay Dennis) of Winchester, VA, and Mary Maxwell (Lori Alexander) of Bellbrook, OH; and nieces, Georgia Dennis of Winchester, VA, and Carmen Dennis (Daniel Phillips) of Kenmore, WA. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Patsie Maxwell. A memorial and celebration of life will be planned in Carbondale at a later date. Friends are encouraged to share memories on the page online-tribute.com/jane-a-maxwell. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory can be made to the Survivor Empowerment Center of Carbondale (empoweringsurvivors.org) or the Safe House for Women of Southeast Missouri (semosafehouse.org). Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Jane A. Maxwell

July 9, 1957 - August 5, 2025