Jean Ann "Maxx" Marshall

1932 – 2025

Jean Ann Marshall, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, at the age of 93. Known affectionately to many as "Maxx," she lived a life defined by an extraordinary blend of domestic excellence, professional achievement, and a thirst for global adventure.

Born Jean Ann Reeder in Lake City, Michigan, to Russ and Blanche Reeder, she attended Michigan State University, where she met her first husband, John A. Kathrein. Their early years together took them to Edwards Air Force Base in California before they eventually settled in the Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect and then Cary, Illinois to raise their four children. During the late 50’s and early 60’s Jean Ann was active in the “Little Theatre” movement as a stage designer for Best Off Broadway Players, also known as the BOB Players.

In 1970, Jean Ann gained national recognition when she was named Family Circle magazine's "Homemaker of the Year." The award featured Jean Ann and her family in the October 1970 issue recognizing not just for her domestic skills, but for her modern, multifaceted approach to life. She didn't just buy new things; she saw the potential in older pieces and had the technical skill to restore them to beauty. She painted and papered the walls of their house herself; a blend of creativity and thriftiness. She was described as a "masterly" cook, and the article featured several of her recipes, including those she made for parties she loved to host. The article also featured her community involvement, including her dedication to supporting the construction of Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois as charter member and president of the Women's Auxiliary to the Cary-Grove Hospital Association and co-chair of the Thrift & Gift Shop— “The Wheel of Hope”.

Jean Ann’s spirit was far too large for a single setting in the 1970s. She was a pioneer in the sport of SCUBA diving, becoming a certified instructor at the local YMCA during the sport’s infancy and exploring reefs across the globe. Her professional life was equally vibrant during this period; she spent years as an independent travel agent before serving as an executive and Mid-West Representative for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in Chicago, Illinois.

Around 1980, Jean Ann began a new life with Austin C. Marshall. Together, in a decades long odyssey, they sailed the Caribbean on their sailboat, Seapoint, building deep relationships with the region's social and political leaders. In 1984, they survived the sinking of the Seapoint during Hurricane Klaus, an event that washed them ashore on the island of Montserrat. True to her resilient nature, Jean Ann made a home there. She and Austin lived and prospered on the island for many years, buying, remodeling and selling houses with her designer spirit. They departed Montserrat in 1995 just before the Soufriere Hills volcanic eruption that devastated the island. They settled next in Anderson, South Carolina, on Lake Hartwell, where the entertained visiting family and friends with boat rides, water and jet skiing. Later they moved to The Villages, Florida, before settling in Cypress Cove, Fort Myers.

Jean Ann was a woman who built a family of the heart. She is survived by her children: John Reeder Kathrein (Mae), Reed Richard Kathrein, Russell Ward Kathrein (Lori), and Lyn Leslie Kathrein. She is also survived by her stepchildren, whom she loved as her own: Ted Marshall (Eva), Susan Clay (Dan), Nancy Marshall, and Jonathan Marshall. Her legacy lives on through her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in mid-2026. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests reflecting on Jean Ann’s life by embracing a new adventure or sharing a time with loved ones.

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