Maxine B. Fellows, 93

PLYMOUTH — Maxine Barbara (MacKenzie) Fellows, 93, of Plymouth, passed away on Aug. 1, 2025, after a short period of declining health.

She was born on Christmas Day in 1931 in Keene, the second child of Elmer and Dorothy MacKenzie. She grew up on the family’s dairy farm. One of her best memories was her family attending the 1939 World’s Fair when she was 8 years old. They were New Hampshire delegates there to promote youth participation in 4-H agricultural and home economic programs so the country would be better prepared for World War II. She was also a member of the Young Farmers of America and Rainbow Girls.

After graduating from Keene High School and Powers Modeling School in Boston, she attended University of Massachusetts classes to learn about the ice cream business. Mackenzie’s Dairy delivered milk to homes and grocery stores, and featured a drive-in restaurant on upper Court Street, were car hops served homemade ice cream, including some of the first soft-serve in the country. 

In 1952, Maxine married Francis Fellows, whose draft notice for the Korean War arrived on their wedding day. In 1965, they moved their family of five to Plymouth, where they owned Buckland Flowers on Emerson Street for over 25 years. She was a talented florist who, along with her husband and daughter, Marjory, worked long hours through countless holidays with her grandchildren under her feet.

Maxine was an active member of her communities. In Keene, she was co-leader with her grandmother of the Breezy Wind 4-H Club, and president of the Mrs. Club of the Congregational Church. She was a member of the Plymouth Emblem Club, Valley Square Dance Club and Pemi-Baker Senior Citizens Club. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and judged flower arrangements at the Plymouth Fair.

Maxine lived a full and fabulous life, with long-lasting memories of friends and vacations around the world. She enjoyed needlepoint, embroidery, crafts, gardening, dancing, antique car shows, silent movies, and short road trips. Her beautiful gardens full of colorful blooms reflect her lifelong love of flowers and plants. Growing up during WWII, she maintained the frugality of a true New England Yankee. She cherished her family and friends. Her kindness, humor, love of life, and sharp wit will be greatly missed. 

Maxine is survived by daughters state Rep. Sallie Fellows of Holderness and Marjory Fellows of Plymouth; granddaughters Bethany (Melanson) Veith and her husband Willam of Fort Myers, Florida, and Cynthia Melanson of Holderness; great-granddaughters Hope Bunnell and Katherine Veith of Fort Myers and Allison Smith of Rochester; and her great-great-grandson, Owen Tompkins of Fort Myers.

She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Dorothy MacKenzie of Keene; husband Francis; son Richard of Plymouth; brothers Warren MacKenzie of Keene and Lawrence MacKenzie of East Dorcet, Vermont; and her special friend, Bob DeGrote of Wentworth. 

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, visit mayhewfuneralhomes.com.