Obituary of Maxine L. Gasser

Maxine L. Gasser, 72, of Johnstown, NY, passed away suddenly on January 23rd, 2024. Her passing was unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened by their loss. She was beloved by many, especially her daughters and grandchildren, and they will miss her forever. 

Maxine was born on December 12, 1951, in Wilkinsburg, PA, and spent her childhood on her parents’ farm in Apollo, PA. She worked for many years as a long-term care and veteran’s hospital nurse in Apollo, PA and Amsterdam, NY, an administrator at Hickory Ridge Property Development in Fort Plain, a teacher’s aide in the Fort Plain Central School District, a VESID clerk in Johnstown, a special education administrator at the Johnstown School District, and a DMV clerk at the Fulton County DMV. 

Those who knew her well loved her sense of humor, her loyalty, her fierce independence, her creativity, her generosity, and her feistiness. Maxine was a blue-ribbon and best-in-show award-winning baker, talented seamstress, eagle-eyed thrifter, a skilled photographer and gifted gardener. She was an avid and impressive reader with a particular affinity for mysteries and the paranormal, known to complete multiple books per day. She loved traveling- her favorite trips included spending time with beloved friends in New Zealand and watching her daughters Irish step dance in Ireland. She was a passionate animal lover, with a particular soft spot for dachshunds- rescuing several and taking them into her home- beloved pets over the years included Winston, Chewie, Maggie, Bailey, Westley, Rex, Emma, Liam, Dagget and Pip. She had an adventurous spirit, even convincing her daughters to take her ziplining at age 68 with a freshly replaced hip and knee. 

Above all of the things that brought Maxine joy, nothing topped the happiness she experienced being a mama and llama (grandma.) Maxine poured her whole heart into supporting her daughters in their endeavors, working tirelessly and selflessly behind the scenes to help them achieve their dreams, celebrating their wins and cushioning their falls, and always putting their needs and wants ahead of her own. She loved volunteering for causes close to her daughters’ hearts and learning about their chosen fields and passions. She opened her home and heart to her daughters’ friends, accruing countless bonus children over the years. She adored her grandchildren (both human and non.) Though she found immense happiness in planning special trips, arranging activities and making treats for grandkids Otto, Po, Oaklee and Atlas, she was also dedicated to showing up for the everyday small tasks and routines and was a regular and reliable presence in their lives. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph End Lockhart and Florence Inez Gano, her sister Hazel Schindehette, her first husband Robert E. Gasser, and her infant son, Joey Sheridan. She is survived by her sisters Joy Spang and Joan Bowser and their families, the Sheridans, Jezierskis, and Weavers, and her daughters Keelie Sheridan (Jorge Luna and Otto Luna-Caratini), Kieren Barnes (Shawn Barnes) and Courtney Sheridan-Medina (Bill Medina, Capote Medina, Oaklee Sheridan and Atlas Medina.) 

Donations in Maxine’s memory can be made to the Glen Animal Hospital, 221 Burley Rd, Fultonville, NY, 12072- a facility who makes quality veterinary affordable and accessible to many local families and helped Maxine care for her beloved animals over the years. 

Friends and family are invited to viewing hours from 12 noon- 2 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024, followed by a service at 2 pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam. Immediately following the service, all are invited to attend a Cookie Exchange celebrating Maxine’s life at the Cranesville Reformed Church on Cranes Hollow Rd in Amsterdam, NY. Keelie, Kieren and Courtney invite you to bake a batch of your favorite cookies and bring copies of your recipe to exchange. They look forward to sharing some of their mom’s favorite recipes with her loved ones.