Longtime Oneida Resident J. 'Maxine' Windsor Dies at 97

Maxine Windsor was an active member of the community and is survived by her five children, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:48am

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J. 'Maxine' Windsor, a longtime resident of Oneida, Illinois, passed away on March 14, 2026 at the age of 97. Maxine was born in Youngstown, Illinois in 1928 and went on to teach at a one-room schoolhouse, work at the Carl Sandburg College bookstore, and be an active member of the United Methodist Women's Church group, the Oneida Women's Club, and the Knox County Home Extension Community Association.

Why it matters

Maxine Windsor's passing marks the end of an era for the Oneida community, as she was a lifelong resident and dedicated community member. Her involvement in local organizations and her large, close-knit family highlight the importance of community engagement and family values in small-town America.

The details

Maxine Windsor married Bene Windsor in 1949 and they farmed in the Macomb area before moving to Iowa for 15 years. They eventually returned to Illinois and made their forever home in Oneida. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bene, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her five children, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

  • Maxine Windsor passed away on March 14, 2026.
  • Visitation and funeral services will be held on March 19, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Oneida, Illinois.

The players

J. 'Maxine' Windsor

A 97-year-old former resident of Oneida, Illinois who was an active member of the United Methodist Women's Church group, the Oneida Women's Club, and the Knox County Home Extension Community Association.

Bene Windsor

Maxine Windsor's husband, with whom she farmed in the Macomb area before moving to Iowa for 15 years and then returning to Illinois to make their forever home in Oneida.

Henry Russell and Helen Naomi (Watt) Day

Maxine Windsor's parents.

Karen (Gene) Larkin, Janet (Al) Curry, Jo (Bill) Barnett, Jim (Debbie) Windsor, and Karla (Jeff) Smith

Maxine Windsor's five children.

Pastor David Pyell

The pastor who will officiate Maxine Windsor's funeral services.

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The takeaway

Maxine Windsor's life and legacy in the Oneida community underscores the importance of civic engagement, family values, and small-town community spirit, even as the world around it changes. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her impact will continue to be felt through the lives she touched.