Maxine Rose Sauter died at home Nov. 11, 2002, of complications from cancer.
She and her twin sister, Marian, were born June 5, 1932, in New York City to Bertha Wildfleuer Lhowe and William Lhowe. She attended a high school for the mathematically gifted in New York, and received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from New York University.
After a stint working for ITT in New Jersey, and for a Wall Street investment firm, she married Air Force Maj. Louis C. Sauter April 16, 1967. They began married life in Arlington, Va., lived in San Francisco, and moved to Oak Harbor in 1975. On Whidbey Island, Mrs. Sauter worked for Sugar Industry Technology, Harbor Airlines and Travel Royalties. She was appointed Island County treasurer in 1986, and served until her death.
She served her community in many organizations, including Street Kids USA, past president of North Whidbey HELP, North Whidbey Republican Women’s Club, Soroptimists, United Way of Island County, Concerts on the Cove, and the Island County Republican Central Committee. In 1984 she was named a Woman of Achievement by the local chapter of Business and Professional Women, and she served on that group’s board of directors.
Although Mrs. Sauter’s business credentials were impressive, she devoted her private life to the causes closest to her heart: organizations benefiting children and animals. She was a founding member of Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation, NOAH, and the Wildlife Care Clinic. She was a lifetime member of the National Wildlife Federation. Always an advocate for the homeless — human or animal — most of her pets were adopted from shelters.
Mrs. Sauter was preceded in death by her husband, Lou; a sister; and her parents.
She is survived by stepsons Louis C. Sauter Jr. and Jeffery Sauter and their wives, all in Paris; and many dear friends. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 25 at First United Methodist Church, Oak Harbor. Memorials can be made to the Wildlife Care Clinic, 332858 Highway 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
