Maxine V. Lapham

Maxine Violet Lapham, age 91, a lifelong resident of Northville, passed away peacefully May 24, 2026. She was born on October 14, 1934 in White Earth, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Pearl (Murray) Clark. Maxine was united in marriage to Charles P. Lapham on February 5, 1955; they spent 66 years lovingly devoted to one another until his death on September 12, 2021.

Maxine moved with her family from White Earth, Minnesota to Northville, Michigan at the age of six. She was a proud graduate of Northville High School Class of 1952, where she formed many lifelong friendships, including with her future husband, Charles.

Together, she and her husband Charles proudly owned and operated Lapham’s, a men’s clothing shop in downtown Northville. Maxine was an exceptional tailor whose talent, precision, and dedication helped grow the tailoring side of the business into a valued service for many loyal customers. After years of hard work and commitment, she retired in 1994.

She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, where she faithfully sang in the choir for most of her life. Maxine cherished the friendships she formed through the choir and found great joy in singing alongside her friends.

Maxine was an active member of the Farmington Racquet Club, where she enjoyed playing tennis and was known for her stylish outfits on and off the court. Through tennis, she formed many lasting friendships with her teammates. Alongside classmates she had known since elementary school, Maxine also helped start a sewing club where they gathered to learn new techniques while enjoying evenings filled with laughter and friendship.

Maxine lovingly made much of her daughter’s clothing, from everyday outfits to formal attire and Terry proudly wore each handmade piece. Maxine took great pride and always looking polished and elegant.

Maxine treasured time spent at her cottage on Elk Lake, where she especially enjoyed gardening. Her beautiful gardens were featured multiple times in local garden walks, and the cottage became a gathering place filled with treasured memories shared with family and friends. She also loved to travel, exploring many parts of the world throughout her life. Among her favorite adventures were a trip to Austria with her church choir, vacations to Mexico with friends, and time spent soaking up the sunshine in Florida.

She and her husband shared a devoted marriage and many passions together, especially their love of being on the water. Above all else, Maxine cherished her role as a grandmother. She often said she “hit the lottery” when her children welcomed their first grandchildren just two weeks apart; a grandson and a granddaughter. Maxine delighted in showering her grandchildren with love, hugs, and affection. Her kindness, warmth, loyalty, and enduring friendships will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Maxine is survived by her children, Terry (Bart) Taylor and Scott Lapham; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Matthew) Huntt, Brandon (Kim) Bueter, Brett (Jenn) Bueter, and Ryan Lapham; and her great grandchildren, Charlie and Trevor Huntt, June and Luke Bueter, Madeline and Nora Bueter, and Harper Lapham. She is also survived by her beloved former daughter-in-law and caregiver, Sue Neighbors. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sisters, Dolly Cook and Evelyn “Uppy” Graham; and her grandson Austin Lapham.

A Celebration of Maxine’s life will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, 200 East Main Street. Rev. Jacqueline Spycher will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the First Presbyterian Church, Music Department, 200 East Main Street, Northville, Michigan 48167.