Gilbert Maxfield

Gilbert Maxfield passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family and holding the hand of his beloved wife, Susan.

Born in New London, New Hampshire, Gil was the son of Frank L. Maxfield and Virginia L. (Davis) Maxfield. He grew up in Canterbury, New Hampshire, with his sister Winnie (Maxfield) Harwood and his brother Bob Maxfield. After marrying Susan, he moved with her to Kittery Point, Maine, where they raised their daughters, Janice (Maxfield) Estes and Cara Maxfield-Fetterhoff. In later years, they divided their time between Northwood, New Hampshire, and their cherished renovated cottage in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

A kind, patient, and generous man, Gil was always the first to offer help to friends, neighbors, or strangers alike. He approached life with a ready smile, whether greeting guests at the door, making snacks for the children, or quietly solving whatever problem lay before him. He lovingly shared his deep knowledge of nature, animals, and building with his children and grandchildren—Emily Maxfield, Riley Sheahan, Evan Cals, and Julia Cals—encouraging their every interest with enthusiasm and hands-on support.

Gil made carpentry and building both his career and his way of life. An accomplished finish carpenter and cabinetmaker, he could sketch a house design in moments, and many of those designs became reality in the homes he built with Susan and for his daughters. Their reproduction Cape, built in 1988, welcomed generations of family for holidays, weddings, and celebrations. He and Susan continued renovating their beloved PEI cottage until recently, leaving behind craftsmanship that will be treasured for years to come. He also carried a lifelong passion for automobiles, able to recall the make, model, color, and details of his early cars even in later years.

Gilbert and Susan shared nearly 60 years of marriage as devoted partners, parents, and best friends. They traveled and created memories with a wide circle of family and friends, including Scott Estes, Nathan Fetterhoff, Doug Cals, and many dear neighbors near and far. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.