Council Member Alexa Aviles (front row, second from left) with family and friends at the co-naming in South Slope.
By JACK DELANEY | jdelaney@queensledger.com
Late last month, a new street sign was affixed to a pole in South Slope, on 17th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, christening “Donna Maxil’s Way.”
Even if this co-naming hadn’t come to fruition, however, this small patch of Brooklyn would have been Maxil’s. “[Donna] was the perfect example of how if you take care of your family and neighbors, you can start to change the world,” wrote Anthony Almojera, one of several dozen community members who attended the ceremony on November 22, describing her as “a truly wonderful human being.”
Maxil was born and raised on the block, and continued to shape the neighborhood throughout her life. After battling cancer, she founded the 17th Street Cancer Crusade in 2005 to raise money for researching a cure. Though it started small, the block party fundraiser — featuring face paint booths, raffle prizes, and a flea market — eventually became a local staple that would draw friends and relatives from across the country.
Maxil passed away in 2021, but the Cancer Crusade has continued under the auspices of her daughter Melissa. (Both Donna and Melissa were recognized by the Brooklyn DA’s office in 2013 as part of a 33-person cohort of “Brooklyn’s Extraordinary Women.”)
“Over the years, [Donna’s] name became synonymous with 17th Street,” said City Council Member Alexa Aviles, who represents the area, adding that she was “deeply beloved and respected by her family and community.”
Having once attended local elementary school PS 124, Maxil would later give back as a long-time PTA member, then paraprofessional, and finally parent coordinator. As news of the co-naming spread, tributes from former students poured in online.
“I am lost for words,” said Rob Aurelius. “[She] was such an amazing school aid, and she always made sure I kept out of trouble. Even in my adult life, Donna and I always kept in touch and hugged every time we saw each other. Thank you, Donna, for being a positive influence in my life.”
Fellow PS 124 alum Mercy Figueroa echoed Aurelius’ sentiments. “I will always remember how she brought homemade goodies for us in school like chocolate lollipops,” said Figueroa, writing shortly after Maxil’s death. “She had a beautiful and kind smile.”
Maxil also served as the president of the 72nd Precinct Council, working to connect local law enforcement with her neighbors. Officers joined residents at the co-naming celebration, and the precinct’s post about the event summed the prevailing feeling up concisely: “May this new name stand as a lasting tribute to her life, legacy, and impact on our community.”
