Maxine Lucille Belongia (née Leavitt)

Maxine Lucille Belongia (née Leavitt), age 84, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026. Born on December 12, 1941, Maxine was a woman who truly cherished the simple and beautiful things in life.

From an early age, Maxine developed a profound sense of devotion and strength. Following the untimely passing of her father during her childhood, she stepped up to help care for and raise her younger sisters while her mother worked to support the family. This early experience shaped her into the deeply caring, resilient, and family-centered woman she would be for the rest of her life.

Above all, she loved spending quality time with her family, creating memories that her loved ones will carry forward forever. Alongside her beloved husband, Orv Belongia, Maxine embraced the freedom of the open road. Together, they shared a love for camping and going on memorable road trips, exploring new places and enjoying each other's company.

She is survived by her loving husband, Orv Belongia; her children, Steven Hayford, Stacie Hayford, and Stefanie Hayford; her stepchildren, Brandon Belongia and Nikki Cyran; and her sister, Eunice Norton and her husband Omer. Maxine's joy lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Steven Hayford Jr., Sarah Hayford, Austin Hayford, Ashli Hayford, Dillion Salgado, Marcos Salgado, Alejandro Castillejos, and Brooke Cyran and great-grandchildren: Ryder, Grayson, Rosalie, Oliver, Mason, Jordynn, Camden, Easton, Sebastian, Alaina, Ken Jr., and Jaxson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Emily Jane Leavitt; her sisters, Darlene Leavitt and Gail Hendricks; her brother, Lewis “Oscar” Leavitt; and her beloved grandchildren, Luis Castillejos Jr. and Dominic Belongia. She is now peacefully reunited with them all.

Maxine’s warmth, kindness, and spirit of adventure will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Stella Town Hall (2496 County Hwy C, Rhinelander). 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.