Maxine Brouillette, a free spirit who liked sunshine and pop music, died June 18 in Las Vegas, Nev. from complications of a fall. She was 68.

Brouillette was born March 3, 1947 in Juneau, the oldest of five children of equipment operator Hank Brouillette and wife Susan Brouillette, a cannery worker and homemaker.

She grew up in Haines and was a member of the Chilkat Dancers. “She loving drawing and dancing,” son Richard Dixon said this week.

Brouillette married Richard Dixon and the couple had two children, Richard and Susan. Brouillette later married Melvin Nelson.

She moved to Juneau in the 1970s and worked as a clerk typist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Richard Dixon said his mom would borrow his music, including Black Sabbath albums. “She liked new music and really loved heavy metal. Rammstein was her favorite band and she also liked Everlast.”

Dixon said his mother also lived in California and settled in Las Vegas the past six years partly due to the area’s sunshine. Brouilllette was a UFO buff who would go to Mount Charleston, outside Las Vegas, to watch the night sky. “She really loved the paranormal. All facets of UFOs to her were really interesting to think about.”

He said his mom also enjoyed crossword puzzles and visiting casinos.

Brouillette is survived by son Richard Dixon and daughter Susan Brouillette of Juneau, sister Della Brouillette of Haines and brother Fred Brouillette of Montesano, Wash. She was preceded in death by her parents and by a sister and a brother.

Maxine Brouillette was cremated. A celebration of life was held July 1 in the Orca Room at Frontier Suites Juneau Hotel. Cards may be sent to 3235 Bresee St., Apt. F1, Juneau, AK 99801.

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