Edith M. Maynard

Edith Maynard, 88, of Lake Barrington, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 5, 2018. She was born on June 5, 1930 in Providence, Rhode Island to Francis and Edith (nee Hoyt) Follis. Edith approached life with a boundless sense of humor, compassion, and curiosity. She had an amazing ability as a birdwatcher (by sight and by ear) and was greatly loved by all who knew her .

Following high school, Edith attended Katharine Gibbs College. Edith had a lifelong love of music and her beautiful soprano voice was a delight at social gatherings. As a young woman, she sang for Aaron Copland and also was featured on the radio.

Edith’s love of literature and art led her to the Renaissance Institute in Baltimore, Maryland where she participated primarily in poetry, short story, and painting classes. After moving to Barrington, Illinois, Edith began teaching Short Story Treasures through the Harper College Lifelong Learning Institute. Edith’s writing was frequently published in the Chicago Tribune Voice of the People.

Other volunteer activities included current events discussions at Broadmead near Baltimore, Maryland and Lake Barrington Shores in Barrington, Illinois, and visiting patients at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. Edith’s love of nature was shared through many activities with Citizens for Conservation including office help, writing for the newsletter, and assisting with youth education programs.

Edith will be joyfully remembered by her loving children, Jerry (Kathy) Maynard, Edith (Thomas) Auchter, and Carolyn Maynard; grandchildren Patrick Auchter, John (Jawayria) Auchter, Carolyn Auchter, and Stephen Maynard; and one great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her three older brothers Francis, Lawrence, and Russell Follis.

A Celebration of Edith's life will be Tuesday, October 9, 1-3 pm at Lake Barrington Woods Community Room, 22320 Classic Court, Barrington, Illinois.  Please attend and share your favorite memories of Edith with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Citizens for Conservation, 459 W. Highway 22, Barrington, IL  60010.