Maxine Callister, 82, died at Whidbey General Hospital Dec. 14, 2003. She was born Sept. 21, 1921, in Billings, Mont., to John and Alice Baird. Maxine spent most of her childhood in Salt Lake City. Following high school, Maxine moved to Washington, D. C., where she worked as a secretary.

Maxine left Washington at the start of World War II and traveled to Portland, Ore., where she entered nurses training with the U.S. Army Air Corps. She completed her four-year training program and was discharged at the end of the war.

Mrs. Callister began her nursing career at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, working in the recovery room. She was married to Melvin Ray Callister in Salt Lake City Dec. 21, 1950. In 1972, the Callisters moved to Oak Harbor. Maxine began work at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor as an OB/GYN nurse until retirement in 1987.

Maxine enjoyed bridge, shopping, being with friends, attending Thursday history class at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, reading and travel.

Mrs. Callister is survived by five children: Deborah Low of Salt Lake City; Genie Mae Boyer and husband John, John R. Callister and Peggy R. Callister, all of Oak Harbor, and Susan P. Callister, of Brooklyn, N.Y. One sister, Joyce Keele of Las Vegas, and four grandchildren, Patrick Lee Boyer of Utah, Nicole Dion Arnold of New Hampshire, Chad James Boyer of Centralia, and Shawn Michael Boyer of Oak Harbor, also survive. Her husband Melvin preceded her in death.

Mrs. Callister requested no formal funeral service be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment at a later date.