Patricia Kalmans
Dear Family of Maxine Upton:
I don't know what inspired me to look up Maxine this morning, but I did, and found out, oh so belatedly, of her passing. Maxine worked for many years with my Dad, Yale Kalmans, first at Quality Craft and later at Plumbing Supply Company. She was a very special person in my life when I was young, and special to Dad as well since he and my Mom always referred to her his "office wife." Incredibly intelligent, fiercely direct, and still personable, she stood up to Yale Kalmans (which wasn't easy, believe me), but also took care of everything for him. I'm sure he couldn't have done whatever he did without her. And she always made special things for us as well, including a porcelain, hand painted, musical Santa that my sister includes in her Christmas display to this day. Maxine reached out and contacted me in early 2016, and we had several talks that year. I tried contacting her about a year later but never could reach her, and feel very badly that I lost touch again.
I don't need to tell you what a special Mom and grandmother you all had. What a blessing she was to us all. May her memory continue to be a blessing for your family.
Again, sorry this is so delayed. Wishing all of you a very healthy and happy New Year.
Pat Kalmans
