It is with great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Maxine Robson, with family by her side, at LHSC-University Hospital, London on July 7, 2025 of RR 3 Ilderton in her 99th year. Survived by son Chris Robson, and loved by daughters Sheila Thompson (Douglas), Marcia Robson, and Gina Finch (Bill). Proud grandmother of 7 and great-grandmother of 13. Also survived by her beloved cousins Bonnie Booth and John Cosgrove of Toronto, and Georgia and Alf Symington of Cobble Hills, BC. As a child Maxine spent many summers on her Uncle Reese’s farm in Huron County. It is here where she developed her enduring love of farm life and horses. This led to her becoming a skilled equestrian, competitor, and Judge. Maxine was also dedicated in the art of breeding and raising thoroughbred horses. Maxine cherished her farm and was host to many fun filled gatherings and holiday feasts with her family, friends, or neighbours at the house or cabin. Each Fall, Maxine always looked forward to spending time with her many hunting companions. She enjoyed the camaraderie of her amazing neighbours and friends, whether it be hosting euchre nights or the lively chats discussing current events around her kitchen table. She loved her horses, ponies, dogs, cats (especially Missy), Molly the cow, ducks, hens, Ben the African goose, and her many human friends.
Maxine will be remembered for her “joie de vivre”. She loved life, facing challenges with incredible inner strength and optimism. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
A celebration of Maxine’s life will be held at the family home on the farm (13997 Ilderton Road, Ilderton) on Monday, July 14th from 3-7 PM. Everyone welcome! Parking will be in the driveway one lane west of Maxine’s home. Following Maxine’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and her final resting place will be in Kananaskis, Alberta.
If desired, donations to the Ilderton Firefighters Association or Ducks Unlimited Canada would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Charlotte McDonald
We only just learned today about Maxine so are sorry to have missed the celebration of her life. So very sad to hear the news. She was a wonderful person who was such a fixture in the community and a special part of the London Hunt family for so many years. She was a true legend, they don’t make them like Maxine anymore. Condolences to her family and many friends. Charlotte, Sue and Jack McDonald
Ron Tipping
Maxine was a great character and I always enjoyed seeing her. I remember someone telling me she could shoot the eye out of a coyote at 100 yards.
My condolences and love to Gina, Marcia, Sheila and Chris. .
Bonnie and John
Max will always live in our hearts. Her strength and determination was contagious. A visit to the farm held many wonders. Max has gone but, will never be forgotten
Georgia Symington
Our sincere sympathy to the Robson family on Maxine’s passing. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting her face to face, we had lots of letters back and forth. I am proud to have known Maxine through her great letters. Thank you for the amazing story of her life. Thanks to Marcia for her thoughtful phone call.
Alf and Georgia Symington, the Alberta cousins.Georgia
Ron Blackall
Our condolences to Maxes family.
She brought an energy to the room, few could match. I remember the laugh, and the voice of reason, usually accompanied with that amazing smile.
One day, in 1990, my mother and Max decided they should jump in the truck, and drive to Florida. Supposedly, to see a horse show..?, which I’m sure they did, but I think they just enjoyed each other’s company.
I think I met Max at western fair, I might have been 5 or 6..?, but she left an impression on me, 55 years ago, and always will. We will miss you Max, Rest In Peace. You brought good energy, and helped people through tough times. The true essence of a great soul…
Joan and Paul Vogel
Maxine always had time for people… ourselves included. She was indeed full of endless energy and enthusiasm for life. She will be missed… Blessings to all the family.
william hilliard
My condolences , had some interesting converstions with Maxine. Rest in peace
Bill Hilliard
Allan Wright
Chris
My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss.
Karen Schaefer
Maxine Robson was a pillar of the Ilderton community. She was a strong & independent woman with a unique laugh that was always recognizable. You knew when she was in your presence. I have fond memories from childhood visits & stays out at the farm.
To Chris, Sheila, Marcia & Gina my deepest condolences.
We have lost another grand lady from our old original Ilderton community.
Karen ( Hughes) Schaefer
Tom & Carol Baker
Our sincere condolences to Maxine’s family, she was a great lady and will surely be missed by all who knew her.
Jeff G
So sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like she had a remarkably full life and has clearly touched so many.
Terry and Bonnie (Stanton) Bryan
Chris, Sheila, Marcia and Gina and families. Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.
Ann (Shoebottom) Brabender
Marcia and siblings- my deepest sympathy. We had such fun at sleep overs at your house. Your Mom was a great host. I remember when you moved the house in Ilderton to the farm – that was a big deal and then your Mom added on to make the house her own farm house. Cherish the wonderful memories.
Nina and Kelly Senecal
Condolences to Maxine’s family.
We only met Maxine 15 years ago when we stayed at her place as our horse was having surgery but, she soon became part of our hearts. Who knew that we would be making occasional 8 hour drives to visit her – listening to all of her stories and never stop eating!? We have such special memories of her. And Christmas cards, and recipes and photos.
She was such an incredible woman and human being.
May her spirit live on through her family and friends.
Missing her terribly in northern Ontario.
David and Joan Elston
Gina and family,
We were very sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. We always had a good visit with your Mom whenever we saw her. Our condolences to you and the entire Robson family.
David and Joan (Roberts) Elston
David Revington
Chris, Sheila and Doug, Marcia. Gina and Bill and Family:
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Maxine’s passing.
Dr Ray Meredith
Maxine was a lovely lady whom we enjoyed so much visiting and who had a real zest for life Enjoyed her whole family and her daughters is babysitters in the olden days
Thankful that she is now at peace and in heaven and bless the lovely family, She will surely be missed
R. (Bob) Besterd
Condolences to the Robson Family at this sad time.
daniel way
Maxine was a force! Strong, independent and deeply connected to the land and the community with which she lived. She will be missed by all those who loved her. Wishing her family time and space to grieve her loss and to be grateful for her life .Maxine has been a part of our lives, through Marcia, for almost 50 years. We are sorry that we cannot be there on Monday to share memories with others. We will be with you in spirit.
Dan and Rosemary
Ottawa
Laurie MacLean
So very sorry to read of the passing of Maxine’s from her long, full life. She always had time to have a conversation with Dad and I whenever we saw her. Most sincere sympathy to Chris and family.
Joan Edwards
My Condolences To Maxine’s Family
I doubt you will speak to or hear from anyone who wouldn’t know your mom’s laugh and or after a visit either short or one of the longer ones didn’t leave with a smile.
Rest in peace Maxine you truly were one of a kind!!
Nicki and Greg Stanton
Maxine had a wonderful life and a wonderful smile to match it. Our deepest condolences to family and friends. Rest easy in Kananaskis cowgirl.
Deb lohrenz
My deepest condolences to Maxine’s family. A truly wonderful life lived. What a treat it was to stop and have a talk with Maxine, always entertaining.
She will be missed and forever remembered.
Jim & Diane McNaughton
A true lady and friend to all she was always willing to share time with others and support the community – God bless
Heather Bice
Robson Family
Maxine was indeed a very unique person who was lived a full life full of fun and adventure. She would always greet you with a big smile and have a chat. I am sure you all have the most amazing memories in your hearts that I hope will give you peace and happiness at this time.
Heather Bice
John & Mary Walls
Maxine was such a unique person. Full of fun and laughter. Always interested in what your family was doing. Her presence will be missed in the community. Our condolences to Maxine’s family.
Dennis Morrissey
We are thinking of you at this very sad time. Maxine was a wonderful lady. Sincere condolences Dennis & Sandi
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
Robson Family
What a life Maxine has lived. Always enjoyed a conversation so up beat and positive. We will miss her
Colleen Bell Carter
My dad and Aunt Lydia took me to The Royal Winter Fair one year to watch Maxine compete, it was the most amazing experience. Uncle Reese’s beautiful home is still standing, a lot of changes inside but very few out side, the beloved horse barn is no longer there. Maxine’s laugh was contagious. My deepest sympathies too Chris, Shiela, Marcia and Gina.
Paul Roberts
Many a Saturday night, along with my grannie, lively Euchre games were enjoyed with Maxine and George. A life well lived.
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
Robson Family
What a life Maxine has lived.She was always cheerful and fun to visit with.We will miss her
Peter and Susan
The obituary says it all, Maxine was “ one of a kind” , and her journey on this earth touched so many . We were lucky to know her and spend fun times with her on the farm. Our sympathy to all the Robson family. Maxine you will be missed but live on in our memories.
Steve Preszcator
Condolences to Chris and Robson Family . Will miss Maxine and All her stories and chats . Was So knowledgeable and loved her horses and animals and people. Had privledge of training a few of her horses. One of her last horses she had was a beautiful paint called Grasshopper who came from Alberta .. She will be missed in horse community and community.. Rest in Peace Max..
Merry Way
Robson Family
Thinking of you all and sending love from Newfoundland
Merry
Gord Worrall
My sincere condolences to Chris, Sheila, Marcia and Gina.
Pam Bice
Robson family
I was so very sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She truly was an amazing lady. I always loved seeing her green jeep about town.
I am sure you have some amazing memories to carry you through this difficult time.
She will be missed.
Pam
John & Mary Ann Brown
John & I will miss Maxine terribly. I always looked forward to visiting with her as she was so interesting and stimulating. When John was hurt at the Thoroughbred Yearling Sale and had to stay in a hospital in Toronto, Maxine, in her 90’s, offered to come and help with chores. She was such an unique person and we are better for having known her.
Nancy Filson Ingram
The Robson Family
A trip to Ontario was never quite complete without a visit with Maxine! We could sit for quite some time discussing all things Calgary Stampede! We shared a mutual love of the Rangeland Derby and chuckwagon drivers in general. While opinions varied, Kelly Sutherland was her all-time favourite! A real pleasure to have had this time together! What a character! She will be missed.
Jack Darling
Great lady !! Our condolences to Chris and family.
Deb McFadden
It was an honour to know Max! Never a dull moment! She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her!
Deb and Al
Jay Pickering
My sincerest condolences to you all. Maxine was an incredible lady that has left a lasting impression with all who met her. Her legacy lives on with her amazing family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roy & Mary Jane van Kasteren
Robson family,
Sorry for the loss of Maxine, she was a lively Lady, full of wisdom!
We offer our heartfelt condolences at this sad time.
Kathy Harvey
Chris, Sheila, Marcia, Gina
Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Whenever running into Maxine we always had an interesting conversation which ended in a smile. She will be missed.
Brent & Kathy Harvey
Joan Elliott
I bought my first horse from the Robson’s in 1964 and have her offsping 6 generations later. I was so impressed with her knowledge . What a life she had.
Wayne and Pam Hall
Chris, Sheila, Marchia, Gina and families. I am saddened to hear the news of Maxine’s passing. She was such an amazing lady. I’ll always remember the good times we shared when our families got together. I loved running into her and having a chance to chat. Rest in Peace Maxine.
Mark Horner
Robson family
Our condolences to you all on the passing of Maxine all ways had time for a chat a smile and a wave she will be missed.
May she rest in peace
Mark Horner
Jacob Roe
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Maxine.
Words feel so small in moments like this, but please know how much she meant to me. We shared many memories over the years— ones I’ll carry on with me always. Her kindness, laughter and presence left a mark on everyone who knew her, and I feel grateful to have had her in my life. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
May she rest in peace, and may we all find comfort in the love and memories that we shared.
Deborah and Rich Hunter
Rich and I offer our deepest condolences and sympathy for your family. Maxine welcomed us with open arms in 2005 and continued to support us throughout. Maxine was a force to be reckoned with and was an amazing woman. May she rest in peace.
Jen Lyons
My thoughts are with you all. We all loved Max Mother of all. Will be sadly missed. My garden days and having lunch after. Cheers to Max. Love Kor Jen and family.
Pat Goertz
Our condolences to all of Maxine’s family. She was known by many in our neighbourhood in one capacity or another. Being a voracious reader, we passed books back and forth and discussed the stories. Coffee time was chit chat time and she loved it when people stopped in to break up her day. She was opinionated and let it be known when she wasn’t happy about how the country was being run. It always made for some good laughs. RIP Maxine, you will be missed.
Pat & Ben Goertz
Teresa Arnsby Weaver
We are sorry for your loss Sheila. We are thinking of you. Teresa and Doug.
Janet McClure
Our sincere condolences to Maxine’s family. She will always be remembered as a true friend and a treasured neighbour. She will be truly missed and always be in our hearts.
Stan and Janet McClure
Helga Howald
Robson Family
My deepest condolences , my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
I have some great memories of time spent with Maxine.
May she rest in peace.