January 29, 1931 – June 15, 2018
Maxine, the second of two daughters, was born to Joseph R and Elizabeth (Pavel) Rokocsky in Centralia, Washington. Her dad, who wanted a son, called her “Pete”. Her early years were spent in the Lewis county area.
As a young woman, Maxine worked as a cattle wrangler and also broke horses for a rancher who ran cattle on the US Military base, Fort Lewis, now called “Joint Base Lewis McCord”. She married and worked with a rodeo promoter named “Woodard”. Shortly thereafter they divorced after he was concerned she was not careful enough around the bulls and her father would kill him if she were hurt.
Maxine Woodard lived near Sappho, hunting and trapping, and doing many types of logging jobs, outdoors, working with her hands. She also drove logging truck. During this time she met the love of her life, Harry E. Secor. They both loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and—- Harry was a good cook! They married November 27, 1957. Maxine and Harry spent the next twelve years together living Southwest of Sequim. Tragedy struck on June 10, 1970. Harry was killed, on the job, by a falling tree.
Maxine acquired the property on the corner of Slaughterhouse road (now 7th Ave) and East Silberhorn road where she lived until she died. During the ensuing years she worked at the “Game farm” and dug clams amongst other things. She had a pet coyote named “Pal”. Her place became known as “Coyote Corner”. Sometime during her life she and her sister traveled to Europe to visit her father’s homeland. When asked why she never married again she quickly said she never found another man who could cook!!
Maxine always had dogs. She also enjoyed wild animals and respected those she harvested for food or income. Maxine often read the Bible.
At her request, her ashes will be scattered at Rock Hollow Farm, 505 E. Silberhorn Road, Sequim where three of her treasured dogs rest. A celebration of life will take place at 11:00 AM on July 4th. Enter by the big rock adjacent to Quiet Place, parking below the barn. Please join us and share stories of Maxine. A pot luck will follow.
Donations can be made to your favorite animal rescue shelter in Maxine’s name. “Whoever said you can’t buy Happiness, forgot little puppies” – Gene Hill.
