Maxine Esther Sykes

Age 93, of Duluth, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022 at Aftenro Home. She was born August 14, 1928 in Duluth, MN to George and Esther (Erickson) LaFlamme.

Maxine was a 1946 St. Jean’s High School graduate. She married Clyde Lee Sykes on Oct. 4, 1947. She was a daycare and foster provider for many years in the Lakeside area. She was known as “MaMa” Maxine to many daycare children and their parents.

Maxine was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church. She loved her family. She enjoyed playing cards, word find, watching the soaps, going to the cabin, camping, and family celebrations. 

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, Clyde; and sister, Dorothy Carlson. She is survived by sons, Thomas (Kathy) of Duluth, David (Kim) of E. Gull Lake; daughters, Kathleen (Jack) Judkins, of Bemidji, and Susan (Tom) Marinac of Duluth; grandchildren, Stephen (Cherri) Sykes, Scott (Stephanie) Sykes, Tricia (Jason) Wolf, Rob Judkins, Ali (Steve) Hogan, Elizabeth (Mike Simpson) Judkins, Nathan (Bree) Sykes, Jill Sykes Smith, and Joe (Emily) Marinac; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Dylan, Danica, Audrey, Alexa, Max, Luca, Roy, Leif, Kai, Shelby, Aurie and two on the way; sisters, Grace Nesgoda and Mary Ann Fitzsimmons; and numerous nieces and nephews. A private Mass will be held. 

A special thank you from the family to Aftenro Home and Kindred Hospice for Maxine’s Care. Memorials preferred to Kindred Hospice. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555