Karen L. Maxwell

Karen Lynn Parmer Maxwell, 66, of Lometa, TX, passed away Friday, February 7th. She was born to the late Forrest Dale and Cullene Parmer on February 10, 1947, in Lampasas County. Karen graduated valedictorian from Lometa High School in 1965 and received a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Texas in 1970. After dating for over 14 years, she married Gary Loran Maxwell on August 29, 1969, started their family in Austin, TX and finally settled in Temple, TX. Karen was a Registered Pharmacist and Assistant Director of Pharmacy at Brackenridge Hospital from 1969 until 1988. She then worked for the Scott & White Hospital Network managing and creating many pharmacy facilities, including Home Health Infusion and Hospice, Inpatient IV lab, and many Outpatient pharmacies until her retirement in 2012. She also worked at the Santa Fe Center Skilled Nursing Facility and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Temple. Karen was described by her co-workers as an extremely bright, energetic, progressive, creative, professional, organized, and caring pharmacy leader with strong interpersonal skills. She was passionate about mentoring her many pharmacy employees, technicians and students and never lost sight of improving care for patients. In her 42 years of service, Karen was awarded Employee of the Year at Brackenridge, Business Woman of the Year in Austin and Outstanding Clinical Poster from the Texas Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Karen was an active member and past president of Alpha Xi Delta sorority at UT, a member of academic Rho Chi fraternity, an active member of local, state and national pharmacy organizations, a Daughter of the American Revolution and Daughter of the Texas Revolution member and past president of Bastrop County Texas Exes. As empty nesters, Karen and Gary enjoyed world travel including many cruises with their family. Although Karen was well accomplished in her career and was dedicated to her profession, she was a consummate care-giver putting others’ needs above her own and would want to be remembered as the best wife, mother and granny. Karen is survived by her husband, Gary, and three daughters: Melissa (and David) Rubin of Austin, Lori (and Jerry) Franklin of St Lucia, and Lindsey (and Chris) Maxwell-Gaines of Austin. She also is survived by two sisters: Delena Masley of Tupelo, MS, and Lisa (and Gene) Williams of Robinson, TX; two siblings-in-law: Larry (and Marty) Maxwell of Clifton, TX, and Pam Maxwell of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren: Zachary Rubin, Macy Franklin, Madeline Rubin, Kiu Franklin, Nicholas Rubin, Keonye Franklin, Malcolm Maxwell-Gaines, Lincoln Maxwell-Gaines, and Azry Franklin; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at Sneed Funeral Home in Lampasas, TX. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Lometa Church of Christ with graveside services performed afterwards at Senterfitt Cemetery. A reception will be held preceding the funeral services from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Lometa Church of Christ annex.