Grace Maxwell

Grace Maxwell, a bright light in our lives, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2025. She was returning to Cedarville University after attending her Grandfather’s funeral in Wichita, KS. She and 66 others lost their lives in a tragic accident involving PSA American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Military helicopter in Washington D.C. 

Her life was a testament to joy, perseverance, and an unwavering faith that inspired all who knew her. Grace was born amidst family heartache, as her grandmother was battling cancer. Grace’s first year was her Grandmothers’ last, but Grace’s birth and precious life gave much joy to her parents and family through that difficult time. Her name, symbolizing the grace bestowed upon her parents, truly embodied her spirit. She was the least likely to hold a grudge and the first to forgive freely and genuinely. From a young age, it was evident that Grace was exceptionally driven. Her persistence and tenacity were evident in all her endeavors, complemented by a sense of humor that could light up a room with her infectious laughter. When Grace was 4 ½ years old, she welcomed her baby brother, Leo, who would become her best friend in life. 

In her formative years, Grace’s love for animals and water was evident; she could often be found playing in the water, swimming or spending hours at the zoo, mesmerized by the otters. She enjoyed horseback riding lessons, Kindermusik and classes at Sedgwick County Zoo. As she got older, she took piano lessons, attended the Zookeeper Apprentice Program and volunteered at the Kansas Humane Society with her Mom. Her love of swimming and competitive nature led her to become part of the Wichita AquaShocks Swim Club, where she competed for 7 years eventually qualifying and competing in Speedo Sectionals. Grace wasn’t the fastest or most naturally talented swimmer, but her hard work and determination allowed her to compete with some of the best swimmers in the area. As a Senior, she participated in the Wichita Warriors Robotics Team, helping lead their team to another first place finish. She was homeschooled through high school, attending Central Homeschool Family Ministries (CHFM) Co-op, and earning dual credits from Butler County Community College and WSU Tech. 

In the fall of 2022, Grace began pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Cedarville University, with minors in biomedical engineering and Bible studies. Her passion for service was reflected in her role as a DJ at the college radio station, Resound Radio, and her preparation for a mission trip to London in March 2025. But beyond academics the most important formation that occurred at Cedarville was the community and friendships. Grace loved Cedarville and she loved her friends there. It was a time of personal and spiritual growth, where she found a community of people who she loved and who loved her. The friendships extended beyond peers as she was cared for deeply by her advisors and professors. While at Cedarville, Grace attended Grace Baptist church, where she received rich teaching of the Word, sweet friends and a loving community. 

Professionally, Grace approached every task with excellence, consistently arriving early, staying late and dedicating herself fully to her work. Sher worked as a grader and tutor at Cedarville University, and summer jobs included lifeguarding at the YMCA, serving meals at Via Christi St. Francis and customer service at Field Station: Dinosaurs. 

Throughout her life, some of Grace’s favorite things were time spent with extended family at birthday parties, Easter Celebrations, Pumpkin Parties and sleepovers with Grandparents. She loved being outdoors and if there was a tree nearby, she would climb it. She enjoyed crafts and making things with her hands. She enjoyed beading and crochet work, but mostly to create gifts for others. 

Grace and her family attended First Evangelical Free Church from the time she was two years old. She participated in Awana, Sunday School, Kid’s Camp, FOCUS retreats, Middle & High school ministries, Hurricane Relief Trip to Houston and Team trip to inner-city Miami to lead Kids VBS. Grace served in the Nursery and Worship Tech Team and during summers at Kids camp as worship/tech leader. Throughout the years she developed deep friendships and mentor relationships with individuals at church, which helped guide her spiritual journey and practical life. 

As a family, traveling and playing games together provided so many beautiful memories. Camping trips to Colorado, vacations to Tybee Island, Huntington Beach, Destin, Fl, Gulf Shores, AL, Nashville, TN, Washington DC, the Ohio & Pennsylvania areas and Niagara Falls were highlights, but being home and eating dinner together each night, catching fireflies on summer evenings, raking leaves, watching movies, reading books and going to church were the everyday things that strengthened our bond with one another. We will never be the same without Grace, but we cherish the time God gave us.

Grace was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Charles and Patsy Winter and paternal grandfather Bob Maxwell. She is survived by her parents, Dean and Merav Maxwell and brother, Leo, Grandmother, Patricia Maxwell, Aunt Cynthia & Uncle Sam, cousin Niamh of Topeka, Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Heather and cousins Isabel & Jonah Astegiano, Octavia Winter, Elias Winter & Azalea Winter of Wichita. Grandmother Helen Winter of Wichita, Therese, David & Riley May of Atlanta, GA along with many other cousins, Great Aunts and Great Uncles. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 18 at First Evangelical Free Church, where family and friends can gather to honor Grace’s remarkable life and the beauty she brought to the world. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the service at Cozine Life Events Center. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that gifts be made in memory of Grace to Cedarville University. Gifts can be made online at Cedarville.edu/give or by mail to Advancement Divisions, 251 N. Main St. Cedarville, OH 45314. Please make checks payable to “Cedarville University” and put Grace Maxwell in the memo line. 

"Her laughter will echo in our hearts forever."

THANK YOU:

We cannot express our appreciation enough in words to our family, friends, church family, the Cedarville University community and churches and organizations throughout the country who have prayed for and supported our family throughout the past days and weeks. We will never forget your love and kindness and the way that you have been the hands and feet of Christ to us. 

We also wish to thank American Airlines, the Red Cross, NTSB, Washington DC Medical Examiner, DC Fire & EMS along with others who went above and beyond to help the families of this tragedy.

VERSE:

Habakkuk 3:18-19a

“yet, I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he make me tread on my high places.”