MAUREEN ELEANORE PAISLEY (PEITSCH)

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MAUREEN ELEANORE PAISLEY (PEITSCH) Maureen Paisley passed away at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, on January 25, 2014. She was predeceased by her husband, Jared Paisley, and by her parents, Luise (Konzelman) and Herbert Peitsch. She is survived by her sisters: Audrey (Bruce Barton), their children Aaron (Nicole Arbez and son Aidan), and Corrina; Karen (Ian Gray), their daughter Rachel; and brother Neil (Susan Passaggio), their children, Kristen and Nicholas. Maureen was born at the St. Boniface General Hospital, May 1, 1959, and grew up on the family farm in St. Ouens, Manitoba. She started school at the small St. Ouens' one-room schoolhouse, graduating in 1977 from the Edward Schreyer Senior School, along with her good friend Joanne Winzinowich. After high school, she attended the University of Manitoba, completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1980 and a Certificate in Education in 1981. To help pay for University, she worked at various University libraries, and upon graduation began her first, full-time job at the Law Library, where she met her lifelong friends: Susan Heidebrecht and Joyce Dalmyn. It was Joyce who introduced Maureen to her best friend, her soul mate, the love of her life: Jared Paisley. Despite his quiet demeanour, Jared was the adventurer of the inseparable pair. Within a year of their marriage in 1986, he secured a job at the University of Waikato and organized their immigration to New Zealand. This move proved to be quite the adventure for Maureen who had never been further south than Grand Forks, ND. While in New Zealand, Maureen completed a Master of Education degree at the University of Waikato (1990), taught English as a second language at the Waikato Polytechnic, and worked as an undergraduate tutor in the Education Department at the University of Waikato. However, it was not all work and study. Together Maureen and Jared had wonderful experiences camping, hiking and generally touring places like the Cook Islands, Australia's Gold Coast and New Zealand. They formed very special friendships with Len and Sybil O'Regan and Terumi and Shigeru Yoshifuku who became their New Zealand families. After learning about Maureen's cancer diagnosis in 2011, Terumi made two trips to Canada to spend time with Maureen, and was a constant support to her. Factors like time and distance are not impediments to true and enduring friendships. Maureen and Jared obtained their New Zealand citizenships in 1990; they returned to Winnipeg in 1991. Maureen secured a position working as a program Administrator with undergraduate students, and watching for the first time, first-hand how the benefits of a university education can transform lives. Inspiring undergraduate students was to be her calling for the rest of her life. Maureen had many hobbies including sewing, photography, hiking, and cycling. Nothing brought her more joy than being with her family, especially her Kristen and Nicholas who have been so fortunate to have had her in their lives. She encouraged everyone in her life to value education and to live environmentally and ethically conscience lives. Maureen, never missed birthday parties and special gatherings and was a permanent fixture in our everyday life. Her incredible grace and positive outlook and perspective on life, inspired her family and friends, who will miss her deeply. Maureen possessed a keen intellect and was a lively personality. After the early death of her husband Jared and throughout her battle with cancer, she was fortunate to be surrounded by many dear friends and family both near and far. She was particularly blessed to remain an active member of the Paisley family. Maureen's families are most grateful for the compassion and care given Maureen by Drs. Benson Yip, Marianne Krahn, Mohammad Akra, Joel Gingerich and Jonathan Wong, and the many health care providers who tended to her during her journey. Funeral service will be held Friday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, 3486 Raleigh Street. At Maureen's request, please no flowers. If you wish, donations in Maureen's memory may be made to The Faculty of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Award program, payable to the University of Manitoba and sent to Bridgette Parker, Donor Relations Officer, Faculty of Science, 239 Machray Hall, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2014