Maxine Johnson Donovan

Maxine was born March 10,1922 in Garden City, Utah to Alexander Johnson and Alta Lillian Satterthwaite. Maxine passed away in her sleep on April 7, 2025. She attended Wasatch Academy during her high school years, where she received an excellent education and made many friends. She met Wallis Donovan when he was stationed with the Army at the Ogden Depot, Utah in the early 1940’s. They were married on May 1, 1944 and he whisked her off to a new life on Long Island, New York, which was his home. They raised three daughters there, Mary Alta, Dee Anne and Stephanie. Maxine returned to her beloved “blue sky” Utah in 1978 after Wally died. She then started a new life here where she golfed a little, travelled a bit, worked a few days a week, and joined the “Bridge World.” It was through her love of bridge that she met many lifelong friends, became known as “MiniMax” and achieved American Contract Bridge Life Master status. Due to her affliction with macular degeneration, her vision became so poor that she had to quit playing bridge in her 90’s. Maxine is survived by her two daughters, Dee Anne (Philip Grebinar) and Stephanie Hatton-Ward, her five grandchildren, Amy Brause, Brian Grebinar, Alex Brause, Kevin Grebinar, Emily Rose Hatton-Ward and her seven great grandchildren, Emily Elizabeth, Kylie, Timothy, Peyton, Luke, Julia and Lillian. She was preceded in death by her husband Wally, daughter Alta Brause, sister Nola Daley, brother Dee Johnson (lost in WWII). Many thanks to dear friends Becky, Rhea, Bill (bridge buddies) and Isabel (work friend) for visits during the past few years and all others who called and kept in touch. Maxine and the family appreciated all the care and kindness rendered by the Good Shepherd Hospice Agency for the past year, and especially Sonnie who spent countless hours with her bringing smiles to both their faces. A “Cremation Mingle” will be held at Larkin Mortuary 260 East Temple, Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. (informal). In lieu of flowers, if you desire, you may donate to the Wounded Warrier Project or the National VFW.