Maxine Ella Jones (1905–1984) grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father was a teacher of manual arts, and her mother was a homemaker. Maxine graduated from Worcester South High School in 1923 and went to the Framingham Normal School (now Framingham State College), from which she graduated in 1927 as a home economics instructor.

While teaching at the William L. Gilbert Home in Winsted, Connecticut, Maxine met Alfred (Al) Morrison Glynn, a pharmacy employee, in June 1928. Born in 1904, Al had grown up in Amherst, Massachusetts, the son of a tailor. After high school graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

The couple began seeing each other and quickly fell in love. Maxine became a home economics teacher and cafeteria manager at Ludlow High School in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Al moved to nearby Holyoke, where he became an A & P store manager. They became engaged in March 1929 and were married in Worcester in June of that year.

Settling in Holyoke, Al continued as a store manager while Maxine kept house and worked as a substitute teacher. In the early 1930s, the Glynns moved to Worcester where Maxine became a home economics teacher at the David Hale Fanning Trade School for Girls. Al worked in various sales and managerial positions.

The Glynns, who were childless, led a relatively tranquil life during the Depression years. They were close to their families, enjoyed playing bridge and dancing, and spent leisure time traveling by car through the northeastern states and Canada, along with occasional visits to Boston and New York City.