Maureen Elizabeth Misewicz

1956 - 2016

"Lady" Maureen Elizabeth (Rinehart) Misewicz passed away Oct. 30, 2016, at University of Washington Medical Center after a short, courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Nov. 27, 1956, to Richard and Mary Rinehart in Lansing, Michigan. She is survived by her husband, Ernie; mother, Mary Rinehart, of Rochester, New York; sisters, Joan Miller (Grady), of Portland, Oregon; Patty McHugh (Bob), of Croton, New York; Catherine Hogan, of Yonkers, New York; Mary Capon (Gerald), of Paris, France; Ann Rinehart (Gina), of Seattle; and brother, Jim Rinehart (Kathy), of Ellington, Connecticut. She also is survived by her sons, Jon Misewicz, of Omaha, Nebraska; Patrick Everett, Shaun Everett and Matthew Misewicz, of North Pole; and four treasured grandchildren.
Maureen had a very interesting and fulfilling life. She has lived in Escanaba (UP) Michigan, Rochester, Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Hood, Texas; and North Pole. Most recently, Maureen and Ernie have enjoyed building their retirement "Villa" together at Harding Lake in Salcha.
After graduating from St. Agnes High School in Rochester, Maureen enlisted in the military and worked as a helicopter crew chief at Fort Hood. She relocated to Alaska, and after the military began a career as a carpenter at Fort Wainwright. After 26 years, she began yet another career path as a financial counselor with Primerica.
Maureen shared her deep faith in God by teaching religious education to children for many years at St. Nicholas Church in North Pole. She was an accomplished ice skater and loved ice dancing, and was in numerous ice dance musicals. Her proudest accomplishment and greatest satisfaction in life was raising her boys and grandkids.
She volunteered her time with many organizations, most notably Soroptimist International. Her support of Senior Wish Tree, Ladies Night Out, Youth Safety Day and the Vials of Life Program are some examples of her dedication and support for Soroptimist International. She always was ready and willing to help anyone in need.
Of all the great traits of Maureen, the most notable was her warm and welcoming smile. When looking at photos, you never see her without a smile. When she walked in, her smile always brightened any room and brought smiles to all. She enjoyed life and brought joy to all who were blessed to know her.
Family and friends will hold a celebration of life to remember Maureen, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at St. Nicholas Church in North Pole. There are tentative plans for a celebration of life in the Rochester area in June 2017.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Maureen's name to Soroptimist International, P.O. Box 70074, Fairbanks, AK 99707.