Maxine Florence Wardle (née Valiquette) passed away following a short illness on July 31, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, just two weeks shy of her 84th birthday. Toronto had been her beloved home for more than 50 years.
Born in Newport, Vt., on August 14, 1942, Maxine was the eldest of six children. She was bright, independent and self-assured from an early age, qualities that would remain part of her character throughout her life.
Maxine graduated from D’Arcy McGee High School in Montréal and then McGill University. She went on to devote her professional life to education. She taught special education at Castle Frank High School and, in her final posting, ran the co-op department at Northern Secondary School. She was deeply respected and admired by the students, families and colleagues whose lives she touched.
Maxine was particularly proud of her work with her special education students and often shared stories of what they, in turn, had taught her. One observation from a student remained a favorite: “Miss — the life, it is not easy.” Her intelligence, dedication, and ability to understand and work with children with different needs made teaching a particularly meaningful part of her life. In turn, she made a lasting difference in the lives of many of her students.
She was also a lover of the arts and an adventurer at heart. She traveled extensively throughout the world, even into her eighties, with journeys that took her as far as Easter Island and Egypt and frequent returns to Rome, one of her favorite destinations. For the past several decades, she spent almost every winter in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a city that was very dear to her heart.
Maxine also believed strongly in giving back and was generous with both her time and her support of causes she cared about. She volunteered alongside her friend Nina at the International Festival de Música de Cámara de San Miguel de Allende and gave her time to homeless drop-in programs in Toronto. Her kindness extended especially to those who were vulnerable, and she had a particular affection for animals, finding great pleasure in caring for the cats and dogs of friends.
Maxine had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor and a capacity to charm those around her. She had a way with words, too, and those closest to her will remember some of her favorite expressions — including, “I zigged when I should’ve zagged.”
She is survived by her children, Jennifer Wardle (Peter Stewart) and Jonathan Wardle (Cheri), and her grandson, Griffin Wardle, all of Toronto.
She is also survived by her siblings Meg Donnelly of San Diego, Calif.; James Valiquette (Joan Kornecki) of Mooers Forks, N.Y.; Kathryn Valiquette of Colchester, Vt.; and Stephen Valiquette (Karen) of Spring Hill, Fla.
Maxine also leaves behind many dear friends, including Adele Clarke, Chuck Barker, Roxanne Mackenzie and Nina Martinez, whose friendships meant a great deal to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Gertrude Valiquette, and her brother William Valiquette.
Her family and friends will remember her with love and gratitude — for her strength and independence, her quick wit, her adventurous spirit, and the many memories she created throughout a life lived very much on her own terms. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A celebration of Maxine’s life will be announced at a later date. Her ashes will be scattered in her beloved Trinity Bellwoods Park, across from her longtime Toronto home — a place that brought her much joy and held a special place in her heart.