MaryAnn Maxwell, age 88, passed peacefully on June 24th, 2022 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. MaryAnn was born December 16, 1933. She was a very loved only child of John and Pauline (Vivier) Pedercini. John "Johnny" and Pauline were lifelong residents of North Adams, Massachusetts. Johnny and Pauline owned Johnny’s Market on State Street, they proudly served and gifted food to the residents of North Adams during the difficult depression times. MaryAnn lived her young life in North Adams and attended Drury High School. She worked at Sprague Electric Co. and was on their lady’s basketball team. She moved with her husband (Charles Maxwell of Pittsfield MA) to New Mexico in 1963. She resided and loved New Mexico for the remainder of her life. She worked in different career areas, however her success in life was raising her four children. Her love of antiques prompted her and her husband to open an antique store. With family working beside her, the store was always full of love and laughter. Later in life her interests were to volunteer; at the library, city hall, and the political polls. MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Pauline Pedercini; as well as her husband Charles E. Maxwell and beloved daughter, Cheryl. MaryAnn is survived by her dedicated children Steve, Glenn and Julie. She also is survived by her much-loved grandchildren Adam, Marissa, Mitchell and Evan.
Her family and friends will miss her love, unique spirit, as well as her eagerness to laugh.
MaryAnn knew her whole life that she was adopted and was born under the name Mary Faith Cote, the daughter of Blanch Cote of North Adams. She later reconnected with her biological sisters, Rita, Beverly and Barbara. With the help of DNA testing she was able to identify her probable biological father, Henry Ryan and other family members in North Adams.
MaryAnn was very loved and had a wonderful life with her parents John and Pauline Pedercini. Having known of her adoption her whole life, learning more about her biological family brought her peace of mind.
Services will be held on Friday, July 1 at 1:00 pm at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, 70 Marshall Street, North Adams MA. Burial will follow at Southview cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Flynn & Dagnoli Montagna Home for Funerals. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com