Maxine L. Lawrence, age 84, of La Porte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

She was born in Hanna, Indiana, on January 10, 1941, to the late Arthur and Mary Mae (James) Shei.

Maxine was a devoted homemaker and a proud graduate of Hanna High School, Class of 1959. She found great joy in tending to her garden, caring for her flowers, and baking for those she loved—especially making birthdays extra special.

On June 25, 1960, Maxine married Gerald Lawrence, who survives. Together, they shared a loving life and raised their family.

She is also survived by her children: Mike (Kelly) Lawrence of La Porte, Pam (Sam, deceased) Scalf of Calvert City, Kentucky, and Steven (Teresa) Lawrence of Union Mills, Indiana; grandchildren: Joe (Rachel) Eichberger, Kait (Hannah) Cohen, Hannah Lawrence, Corrine (Caleb) Lawrence, Alyssa Lawrence, and Kayla Lawrence; great-grandchildren: Arthur and Millie; and her sisters, Delores Games of La Porte and Joan Werner of Hanna.

Maxine was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Lawrence, and siblings, Kenneth Shei, Les Shei, Bernice Perschke, Don Shei, and Carol Bealor.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Hanna Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department, 111 S. Main Street, Kingsbury, Indiana 46345.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Maxine’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.