Obituary: Maurer, Josephine Margaret
Age 91
A testament to these attributes, she leaves behind numerous family and friends that learned the true meaning of love in witnessing her acts of selfless kindness.
She was born August 10, 1922, in Priest River, Idaho to a Belgian emigrant, Octavia (Van Eecke) Calistro, and John Calistro who emigrated from Sicily.
She spent her childhood in Greenacres, Wash., working alongside 10 brothers and sisters in her father’s roadside produce stand.
In 1937, she married Albert (Al) Maurer, a shy, handsome man that she thinned apples with at Segerstrom Orchards.
They began a family and a farm living, where Jo was every bit the pioneer woman.
After the birth of their second daughter, Al was drafted into World War II.
After his return, they happily welcomed two more daughters into the Maurer clan.
At the age of 38, Jo gave birth to their youngest child, a long-awaited boy.
Jo’s greatest reward in life was reveling in the successes of her family.
She saw that the children were well-educated and supported their participation in many activities.
Their home was a place of refuge for all, full of wonderful smells and laughter.
Jo was a member of the Tri-Community Grange, Newman Lake Ladies Club, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Rambling Rovers Travel Club.
She was preceded in death by Al on June 29, 1998.
No recital of these facts can capture the full spirit of Jo Maurer.
She was a loving soul who put her family and friends first for many years, proud of their accomplishments and fully supporting of their character.
She was a safe haven for us all.
She is survived by her five children: Darlene (Randy) Weaver, Patricia (Larry) Orebaugh, Sandra (Richard Ackerman) Shay, and Rosalee (Jon) Allan, and Rich (Arlene Fisher) Maurer; four sisters: Julie Costello, Anita Pirello, Madeline Yeager and Mary Lou Wallace; 13 grandchildren: Brent Weaver, Kelly (Mike Wells) Weaver, Bill (Pam) Orebaugh, Beth (Clint Patrick) Orebaugh, Chad (Pam) Orebaugh, Kevin Shay, Chris (Thomara) Shay, Kim (Mark) Papich, Ryan (Gina) Allan, Melissa Maurer, Meaghan Maurer, Dan (Dana) Fallieaux, and Dave Fallieaux; and 27 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her parents: Octavia and John Calistro; two sisters: Mary Frances Zalik and Leona Harris; four brothers: Mark Van Eecke, Frank Calistro, Johnny Calistro, and Ernest Calistro.
Visitation will be held Fri, Aug 9, at Hennessey Valley Funeral home from noon to 4:00 p.m. A vigil and rosary will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Otis Orchards at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Sat, Aug 10, at St. Joseph’s, at 9:00 a.m., with a reception to celebrate her life following.
The burial service will be after at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Trentwood at noon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House or the Newman Lake Women’s Club.
To view Josephine’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to: