Sister Maxine Riker, a Springfield Dominican for 53 years, died July 19. She was 73 years old.

Born in Springfield, Sister Maxine was the daughter of Max Kurt and Frances Clarke Riker. She was inspired by the Dominican Sisters who taught her at St. Agnes School and Sacred Heart Academy to join them.

Highlights of her ministries included teaching in parish schools in Rantoul, Carrollton, Chicago, St. Anne, Peoria and Mendota; pastoral ministering in Rogers, Ark., and Boyceville, Wis.; and serving both at the Dominican Renewal Center in Riverton and at the congregation's ecological and spiritual renewal center at Jubilee Farm in New Berlin.

Sister Maxine was known for her quick wit and incredible sense of humor. Through her creative storytelling, it was apparent that her most treasured memories were of the people who were part of her life: her family, parishioners, parents and their children, and sisters in community.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jayne Ann. She is survived by her sisters Jeannene (Thomas) Gould and Marlene Clarke (Joe) Steffen; her brothers Kurt, Kevin (Mary) and Keith; three nieces; five nephews; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A funeral Mass was held on July 22 at Sacred Heart Convent with Father Peter Witchousky, OP, presiding. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.

The Dominican Sisters and their family of Sister Maxine were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home.