MAURA TUCKER

Maura C. Tucker Maura Clare Tucker died surrounded by her family and friends, early Tuesday morning, May 1, 2012 at the family home in El Cerrito after a courageous struggle with cancer for 2-1/2 years. She was born March 2, 1956 in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of Clare Krumenacker Tucker and Thomas Joseph Tucker. She is a graduate of Skidmore College (BA), Pacific School of Religion (MDiv) and Holy Names University (MA in Educational Therapy). Maura is survived by her spouse of 30 years, Patty Contaxis, and their daughter, Brianna Grace Contaxis-Tucker; a sister, Sheila Tucker of Texas and three brothers, Darby Tucker of Colorado, Paul Tucker and Kerry Tucker of Texas; many nieces and nephews; and a long list of extended family including colleagues, neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Julie Rathbone. Maura worked in theological education and elementary education for over 20 years. At the time of her death Ms. Tucker was the Director of Contextual Education at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley. Some of her early work as an actress and cook as well as her life-long career as an activist for various social movements brought joy to her life and provided models for composing a life to many who admired and learned from her. A memorial service in celebration of Maura's life will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2PM at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, UCC, located at 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. A private service of interment took place earlier at Sunset View Cemetery, El Cerrito. Memorial gifts may be sent to the family's beloved Children's Hospital Oakland through Children's Hospital & Research Center Foundation, 2201 Broadway, suite 600, Oakland CA 94612, earmark for Oncology Patients. Online gifts can be made at: www.childrenshospitaloakland. org We wish to thank all of those who took care of Maura and us at this time including friends, family, Alta Bates Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Sutter VNA Hospice.