Stephanie Maxwell

On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Stephanie (nee Wysocki) Maxwell died peacefully at the golden age of 100. She was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, J. Brandon (Mackie) Maxwell Jr.

She will be profoundly missed by her three loving children: daughter Helen Ribbans and husband Robert of Ringoes, NJ, son J. Brandon Maxwell III and wife Jill of Scottsdale, AZ, and daughter Stephanie Pierson and husband Greg of Neshanic Station, NJ. Her seven grandchildren, Kristin (husband Jonathan), Jessica (husband Drew), Alexandra (husband Sean), Brandon, Sean, Jack, Ryan (who was born on his grandmother’s birthday), and three great-grandchildren, JR, Robert, and newest addition to the family, Greyson, all shared a special relationship with their Grammie, as they were her pride and joy.

Born at home in Orient, Long Island, New York, to the late William and Veronika Wysocki, Stephanie was number eight in a family of ten children. She is survived by her dear siblings, Betty Busso and Thomas Wysocki, and wife Mary Lou, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by seven siblings: John, Benny, Sophie, Helen, Anne, Bertha, and Bill.

Stephanie was a graduate of Greenport High School, where she proudly served as the drum majorette of the marching band. After high school, she began a successful career that spanned 75 years, including private secretary for a mattress company in Brooklyn, NY, secretary for the Somerset County Park Commission in Somerville, NJ, and bookkeeper at the family restaurant. After working for 25 years with her two daughters and granddaughter Kristin at B&H Consulting Service, Inc., Somerville, she finally retired at 93.

Stephanie and Mackie were married at Immaculate Conception Church on July 29, 1961, and settled in Somerville, where they raised their family.

The Maxwells (Mackie with brothers Don and Tim and their respective wives Stephanie, Joan, and Sandy) took on a family endeavor, opening the first sports bar and family restaurant in Raritan, the famous Ye Olde Yorke Inn. They were generous in sponsorship and community support, earning the respect and friendship of families in the area. After 45 years, Last Call was made at their sports bar, but the Maxwells continued to be a staple in community activities and volunteering.

Stephanie and Mackie were fortunate to be able to travel the world. They enjoyed trips with their travel partners, sister Betty and husband Joe. They were legendary in their tailgating at Cornell University’s football games and crew meets. They avidly supported their daughter Stephanie’s athletic endeavors in rowing and sailing and traveled worldwide to many national and international competitions, including two Olympic Games. They enjoyed time at their beach house on LBI, hosting family and friends and creating memories that will last forever. Stephanie was also an accomplished seamstress with a talent for knitting, needlepoint, and, most recently, crocheting and rug hooking.

In February 2018, Stephanie moved to The Avalon Assisted Living, Bridgewater, where she made many new and dear friends, attended exercise class daily, played Bingo each week and Rummikub almost every night after dinner, and enjoyed puzzles daily. Two months ago, family and friends came together to celebrate Stephanie’s 100th birthday. Her ten grandchildren and great-grandchildren spoke to the highlights of one of the ten decades of their Grammie’s life.

Memorial contributions in Stephanie’s name to support retired Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart can be made to: Mission Advancement, Camilla Hall, 100 Maxis Drive, Malvern, PA 19355.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00PM on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Monday, December 18, 2023, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:00AM.

Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge.