Maxine L. Sparacino

Maxine L. Sparacino, 86, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Maxine was born on December 15, 1937, to Mahlon and Vena (Betzing) Parsons in St. Peter, MN. As valedictorian of her high school, she earned a full scholarship to Gustavus Adolphus College but chose a different path when she met the love of her life. On June 9, 1956, she married Dominic “Len” Sparacino in Claremont, MN, and they began a beautiful journey together.

Maxine was a talented cook, learning her culinary skills from her mother-in-law, Lillian, a first-generation Italian American. Maxine’s specialties ranged from homemade pizzas, braciole, manicotti, spaghetti with meatballs to one of her favorites- braunschweiger dip. Her sewing was impeccable, and she lovingly crafted quilts for friends, children and grandchildren. An avid hunter, Maxine often outshot Len, and she took great pride in her green thumb, spending countless hours canning vegetables from her garden.

Maxine's deep love for animals was evident in her lifelong dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating creatures of all kinds, from donkeys and dogs to ducks. Her home was always filled with the warmth of furry companions, each one holding a special place in her heart. Her beloved dog, Bella, remained her loyal best friend, staying by her side until the very end. Maxine also cherished her human connections, enjoying her time with her Chetek friends, her Wausau friends as a member of the Red Hat Society and finding comfort in the timeless melodies of classic country music.

Maxine's work ethic shone through in the three homes she and Len built together in Chetek, WI. With Len being a schoolteacher, the family spent their summers "up north," where their time wasn’t just dedicated to building but also to creating cherished memories. Summers were filled with the joys of lake life—fishing, boating, and special family outings to local auctions, breakfast at the Chetek Café, or treats from the Chetek Bakery. Later, Maxine and Len purchased a farm in Chetek, welcoming donkeys, cows, pigs, chickens, and more into their lives. Fondly known as "Grandma Tractor," Maxine tackled every challenge head-on, whether mowing with her trusty John Deere or plowing fields with determination and pride.

Family was Maxine’s greatest passion. She was a devoted mother and wife, always putting her family first. From sewing clothes for her children to packing their lunches, she made sure they felt loved and cared for. Sundays were special, spent with the Lissuzzo family in Melrose Park enjoying delicious Italian dinners, and cherished times were also spent with the Boruch family in Wausau, WI, filled with laughter and beer. 

Maxine reveled in the simple pleasures of life—White Russians, bowls of popcorn, and the beloved annual girls' weekends spent with her daughters and sister Kay. These weekends, filled with wine, laughter, shopping, long walks, and meaningful time together, were a highlight of her year. Her sister Kay was not just her best friend but her partner in crime, and the two shared many adventures over the years, especially during their memorable trips to Vegas. Maxine also loved Sunday football, and while she began as a loyal Bears fan, she eventually embraced the Packers with equal enthusiasm. Maxine was known for her strong independent spirit and was never hesitant to share her opinions with those around her.

After Len’s sudden passing in 2000, Maxine found solace in writing, encouraged by her friend Pat Brewer. She penned a book called “The Dash between Those Years” filled with memories that allowed her to reflect on their life together. The final page of her book sums up her hopes beautifully:

“My Hope:

I hope my children will remember me as someone who worked hard and cared a lot. Since my profession was homemaker, I took my job very seriously. My house was usually clean but not always picked up. We ate three meals every day, always sitting together as a family. The food was never fancy but tasty and plentiful. My children were much loved and well cared for. I hope they remember their childhood as a happy time. My husband was a smart, honest, hardworking, loving person. He did everything he could possibly do for his family. We always tried to be helpful and understanding to each other. I think we usually succeeded. I’m not certain how my children will remember me, but I hope with love.”

Maxine is survived by her sons, Dr. Michael (Elizabeth) Sparacino and Dr. Jeffery Sparacino; her daughters, Dr. Gina Sparacino, Sandra (Brian) Janosik, and Susan (Roger) Dart; her grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Joseph, Christina, Ann Marie, Daniel, Dorothy Ann, Gabriel, Jessa (Leon), Alexandra, Rosalia, Ronald “RJ” (Talia), Laura, and Whitney; and her great-grandchildren, Logan, Joey, Leon, Leo, Graham, Evelyn, Liam, Hayden, Hendrix, and Halen. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, friends, and her beloved furry companion, Bella.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Len; her sister Kay (Ralph) Boruch; her brother Randy (Rita) Parsons; her parents; and other dear family and friends.

True to her humble nature, Maxine requested a simple family gathering in her memory. Her family will honor her wish by sharing White Russians, pasta, popcorn and stories of her remarkable life. In her memory, please do the same and raise a toast to Maxine.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ihde and staff at ThedaCare for the years of care, kindness and support, the staff at Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care, and to the staff and residents at Island Shores for becoming part of Maxine’s extended family. Special gratitude goes to personal caregivers Tanya and Noelle for their kindness and popcorn parties during her final months.

We love you Mom, forever and ever.