WESTFIELD: Maxine (Zaiken) Kreikamp of Westfield, died on Friday, March 20th, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Pittsfield, MA on November 25th, 1946. She was the daughter of the late John and Olga Zaiken. She was an avid scholar graduating as Pro Merito from Pittsfield High School class of 1964, earning her Bachlor’s Degree from Wake Forest University in 1968 and then her Master of Social Work Degree from University of Connecticut in 1995. She married the love of her life James Kreikamp May 15th, 1971 whom passed away October 16th, 1993. Maxine was employed as the Area Program Manager of Massachusetts Department of Social Services specializing in adoptions for 44 years. Her devotion to children and families was recognized in 2002 as she was honored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute with the Congressional Angel in Adoption Award for making a difference in the lives of children and families through adoption. She retired from the Department of Social Services in 2013 and her legacy will live on through her loving peers and co-workers as they continue their journey to care for kids, one special child at a time. She is survived by her son, Brad Kreikamp and his wife Jen and their son Logan, with whom she resided. Brad, Jen and Logan provided an abounding amount of love and support to Maxine through her battle with cancer. Logan brought special smiles to Maxine’s heart as she loved his little laughs, big hugs, the way he played hockey and his very special name for her, Paka. She is also survived by her son, Todd Kreikamp and his wife Susan and their daughters Brooke and Chandler, whom reside in Mechanicsville, VA where she often travelled to enjoy her granddaughters’ hugs, dance recitals, soccer games and warm sunny beach trips in Nags Head, NC. Maxine was very proud and supportive of her family and always gave special moments to everyone as she knew the value of family and the importance of togetherness. She was a very thoughtful and kind individual whom never truly meet a stranger, it was a gift she had and shared with so many throughout her life. She was cherished by many family and friends and will always be remembered for the way she cared for others. Maxine’s family would like to thank her caregivers from Mass General Hospital, Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice not only for their excellent care of her, but for their sincere interest in her wellbeing. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish.Funeral services for Maxine will be Wednesday, March 25th, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. from the Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parrish, 127 Holyoke Rd., Westfield MA, celebrated by Father Daniel Pacholec. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Her sons will host a reception to celebrate their mother’s life at the Delaney House at 12:30 p.m., 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, MA. Calling hours at the Firtion Adams Funeral Home will be Tuesday, March 24th, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society and DCF Kid’s Fund, Inc.,600 Washington St., Boston,MA, 02111, or www.dcfkidsfund.org Please visit www.firtionadams.com to leave condolences and remembrances.
