Obituary of Roseanne Maxwell

Irondequoit-Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the age of 59. Roseanne is predeceased by her loving parents, Francis and Rosemarie Maxwell; brother, Daniel Maxwell; sister, Colleen Maxwell. She is survived by her sisters, Katie (Bill) James and Mary Beth (Jim Sutera) Camp; sister-in-law, Ann Marie Maxwell and family, along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family is extremely grateful for the help and support that was given to Roseanne by countless doctors, nurses, clinicians and direct support workers, and Management at Heritage Christian Services. Many thanks to my cousins for all of their love and support.

 Roseanne was the light of her sister’s lives and loved by many.

Roseanne was beautiful, funny, gentle, sensitive, creative and yes, occasionally a bit spicy & stubborn. Above all, Roseanne had an incredible spirit of innocence.  

From the moment she was born, she was loved, and she loved us back. 

Roseanne was born with Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome, a rare syndrome that included intellectual, physical disabilities and medical problems.  Although she was nonverbal, her voice was strong, and her life lessons to us were deep and rich.  We believe Roseanne knew God’s plan, she had God’s lessons to teach, and hearts to warm. Her life was marked by something much greater than her disabilities or illnesses; Roseanne lived in the light of God’s grace & gave to us life lessons that enriched us in humanity and deepened our relationship with God.

All through her life, Roseanne loved interaction with her family, and to be included in everything. She loved to learn, laugh, and live. We shared incredible love and joy with her. She lived a challenging life but faced it with incredible courage & humor, adapting with as much grace as she possibly could. Roseanne was quick with a smile, always adding some humor even on the difficult days.

Growing up at home, Roseanne lived in a very active household, always full of family & friends.  With 4 other siblings in the house,  everyone took turns nurturing, feeding, bathing, or just helping to care for her. As a family, we worked hard to teach Roseanne to connect & to interact with people. Learning in the traditional sense was near impossible, so we quickly learned to adapt to Roseanne’s learning style.  She taught us to listen differently and she led the way.

We shared so many wonderful memories, including birthdays, Special Olympics, shopping, dining out, ice cream at the beach, long walks, and family parties.There was nothing in this world that could warm our hearts more than to see her smile.  

Early on, Roseanne loved Lawrence Welk, dancing with our father in the living room, family gatherings in the kitchen, laughing, eating, even arguing, just spending time together. You would see a HUGE smile on her face whether it was driving to the store with our dad, going to our grandparents on Sundays, or sitting on the front porch with our parents on warm summer nights, she loved it all. As a baby, she loved chocolate, being held, long naps,cuddling on the couch, warm baths, and lazy summer days in the backyard pool. Roseanne loved a good old family sing-along, whether it was her birthday, Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day. One of her favorites, car rides with her teenage sisters, windows wide open, listening to oldies full blast, she laughed the entire time. She was so small that we carried her on our hip for many years, even while we were doing the dishes.  As long as she was with us, nothing else mattered. One thing for sure, Roseanne loved to laugh.  

Roseanne didn’t walk until later years, but that didn’t stop her from stealthily maneuvering around our two-story home. We’d go to lift Roseanne out of her crib… And in a panic, “Where is Roseanne…”  Oh no, off exploring again!   Our tiny sister would find her way up the stairs to her sister’s bedrooms to wake them up and start the day! She did this with great care, not making a single sound, quiet and deliberate.  It was not unusual for Roseanne to crawl out of her crib, especially in the middle of the night or very early morning, making her way to the kitchen or to wake up her brother.  

When  Roseanne moved into Heritage Christian Services, she met so many incredible people and shared so many experiences.  In Roseanne’s way, she held tight to her family, but adapted and bonded with friends and people that helped care for her. She loved her housemates and would high-five, blow kisses, and give a soft touch as she wheeled by.  Let’s not forget chasing Michael around the house; he’d turn the lights on, and  she’d turn them off.Her puppet, Mr. Monkey was very special to her.   She enjoyed watching musicals like Annie, Mary Poppins, and The Sound of Music. Watching  I Love Lucy, the Buffalo Bills, The Price is Right, Bewitched, and Mr. Roger put a smile on her face. One fond memory was  taking a ride on a seaplane at camp while in Inlet. While at Heritage,  she continued participation in the Special Olympics. She loved shiny things, her medals in which she wore so proudly!   

Through the years, my sister became really good with my iPhone, daily she would FaceTime her brother-in-law Bill, just to say hello and sing some songs.One of her favorite things lately was to listen to her brother-in-law, Billy, sing “ Happy Birthday” every single day!  Most of all, Roseanne loved her sisters, Billy, and people that cared for her. 

There are so many rich memories, so many wonderful people that assisted in Roseanne’s care over the years. We are extremely grateful for the help & support that was given to Roseanne by countless doctors, nurses, clinicians, direct support workers, social workers, teachers, Heritage Christian Services Management, and family. We are grateful for the parental support and housemates of Roseanne’s.

Roseanne’s life was a life born in love, surrounded by love of family and friends.  

May the memory of her huge smile, her stubborn ways, her sense of humor, and play bring warmth to you in your life and your work. As Roseanne did for us, we hope she enriched your life with a greater sense of humanity and a closer walk with God. 

Roseanne’s life ended as it began: in the love of family and in the love of God, faithful and abounding in mercy. Roseanne was a gift to us, a precious and beautiful gift!  

Roseanne, your gentle spirit lives in the love you gave to us, we’ll see you on the other side, 

Your sisters, Katie and Mary Beth

In memory of Roseanne, we encourage you to spend time with your family and smile often. If you are interested in making a donation,  URMC Hospice or Heritage Christian Services. Per the family's wishes all services are private.