Maxine Begay 1942-2023

Maxine Elizabeth Begay, Ttik Ni Kwe, 81, of Mayetta, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka surrounded by family.

She was born Feb. 28, 1942, at home near Mayetta, the daughter of Peter and Edna Keggmega Wabnum.

Maxine was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, 4/4, served on the enrollment committee for the tribe, a former member of Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka and The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles in Gower, Mo.

She had lived in Denver, Colo. for many years and worked for Eastwood Printing there. After retiring, she moved back to the Mayetta area.

She married Westley Begay on Sept. 23, 1963, in Los Angeles, Calif. He preceded her in death on June 18, 2010.

Maxine was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Michelle Begay; a granddaughter, Hvwla-Este Coon; three brothers, Irving Shopteese, Eli Wabnum and Reuben Wabnum; and two sisters, Theresa “Osh” Asselin and Lorene “Snooks” Wahweotten.

Survivors include an adopted mother, Voncile Mitchell, Mayetta; a son, Anthony Sandoval and wife, Jamie Sandoval, San Diego, Calif.; a daughter, Carolyn Begay; three grandchildren, Michelle Alcon, Simone Alcon and Maxine Coon; and four great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Madrid, Selena Swaim, Alexis Madrid and Joseph Wesley Robert Sandoval.

In addition to Maxine’s loving human family, she leaves behind her devoted wiener dog, Copper, who was a source of companionship and joy. Copper was more than Maxine’s puppy; he was a beloved friend whose loyalty and presence provided immeasurable comfort in Maxine’s life.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Matwe-Shobney Cemetery. A supper will be held at 5 p.m. Friday in Sister Therese Klepac Memorial Hall, on the church grounds, and a rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Online condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

(PAID OBITUARY)