TALLMAGE - Gloria Maxine (Rogers) Harwood, unconditional love and devotion to her family were her priorities

The rich and full life of Gloria Maxine (Rogers) Harwood ended on September 6, 2026. It was marked by intense enthusiastic interest in many things, including literature, history, theater, art, music, nature, gardening, outdoor activities, quilting, candle making, and, most of all, love of her family and home. She seldom rested, putting as much as she could into each day. She was generous with her time. Many people in organizations benefitted from her knowledge, talent, organizational skills and good judgement.

The daughter of Walter and Ethel (Landreth) Rogers, Maxine was born in Akron, Ohio on March 18, 1931. She graduated from Copley High School and played several instruments in the band and orchestra. Maxine met her husband and life-long love, Jim, during their freshman year at the University of Akron. They were married in 1952 and moved to New Haven, Connecticut where Jim pursued graduate studies in chemistry at Yale University. Maxine was blessed with three sons, James – born (1954) in New Haven, Daniel (1956) and David (1958) born in Dayton, Ohio. The family returned to Akron in 1959 when Jim joined the faculty at the University of Akron as a Professor of Chemistry and Polymer Science. Maxine provided helpful advice and organized many memorable social events for American and International students and visiting scholars. Together Maxine and Jim visited many countries for conferences and meetings. In 1980 Maxine was employed by the University of Akron as the International Student and Scholar Adviser, and in 1986 became the Immigration Specialist and Officer for the University of Akron. In 1990 she accepted the position to manage the Financial Aid Programs in the Graduate School and held that position until she retired in 1994.

Maxine was very active at the United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls where she Chancel Choir, was in the hand Bell Choir, and was head choir mother for youth choirs. She participated actively in the Quilters Group at the church. Maxine was a long-standing member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AU. Maxine loved nature. She and her family camped throughout the United States and Canada. Her love and understanding of nature enabled her to become an avid nature photography.

Proceeded in death by her parents, she leaves her husband, Jim, of 74 years. She will be missed by her beloved sons and their families: David Harwood and wife Carol Dicks of Lincoln, Nebraska and grandchildren Cara Theisen (Andrew) and great grandsons August and Everett, Kelsey (Tad) of Omaha, Nebraska and great grandson Krew, grandchildren Cabe (Maggie) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kalea and Kyan of Lincoln, Nebraska; Daniel and Gail (Belmont) Harwood of Weaverville, California and grandchildren Stephen and Lily; and James and Janice (Gill) Harwood of Ledyard, Connecticut and grandchildren Katryn and Bradley. She also leaves her beloved younger sister Beverly Ann Feick in Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

“The life given to us by nature is short, but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal.” Cicero, 106-43 B.C.

Should you wish to do so, memorial contributions may be made to the G. Maxine Harwood and H. James Harwood Endowed Scholarship Fund at the Department of Development, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, established by students, scholars, and associates and friends whose lives she has touched.