Mary Anne Maxwell, age 75, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday March 12, 2025, at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham.

      She was born February 22, 1950, in Bloomington, the daughter of Miles W. and Josephine Mary (White) Schwarzlose. 

      Mary Anne had taught P.E. at Xenia Grade School and later worked at Flora Manor and Clay County Rehabilitation as a supervisor, overseeing both the workshop and home.  A gifted journalist, Mary Anne wrote for the Clay County Advocate Press and the Clay County Republican.  An avid reader, she had a particular love for mystery novels and also enjoyed knitting and watching television, especially trivia shows and true crime dramas.

      She is survived by her daughter: Erin Maxwell of Flora; a sister: Doree (Lynn) Brown of Erie, Pennsylvania; nephews: Eric (Sarah) Brown of Erie, Pennsylvania, Stephen (Emma) Brown of Austin, Texas, and Kevin Brown of Erie, Pennsylvania; several other nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law: Jerry (Rita) Maxwell of Louisville, Kentucky; a sister-in-law: Karen (Lee) Mason of Mason, Ohio; several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; great-great-nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat: Tilly.

      She was preceded in death by her parents; paternal grandparents: Walter and Dorothy Schwarzlose; and maternal grandparents: John and Louise White.

      A graveside ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery in Flora with Tre Schlief officiating.  Those who wish to attend should arrive directly at the cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday evening at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to First Christian Church, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com