Maureen Karras

1946 - 2025

Maureen Karras

November 8, 1946 - June 29, 2025

Olympia, Washington - In Loving Memory of Maureen Karras. Maureen was one of a kind a fearless adventurer, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, passionate educator, and lifelong advocate for children and families. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 29, 2025. Her spirit, strength, and warmth will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Born with a spark for life and a deep curiosity about the world, Maureen lived boldly from a young age. In her twenties, she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, throughout the Mediterranean and South Pacific Seas aboard the American Eagle, Ted Turner's America's Cup contender, claiming victories on the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit and in the Annapolis Newport race. She followed that spirit of adventure to Europe, where after her third year of college, she picked up a Volkswagen Westphalia van in Germany and spent the ski season working in Austria living simply, joyfully, and on her own terms. Throughout her life, Maureen traveled extensively, taking numerous trips to Europe. She particularly cherished the village of Fiskardo on the island of Kephalonia, the birthplace of her husband's family, and returned there many times with her children and grandchildren to share its beauty and meaning with them.

Maureen grew up on Mercer Island and was a graduate of Mercer Island High School. She earned a bachelor in fine arts degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and later earned a master's degree in counseling from St. Martin's University. Education was not only a passion, but also her calling. She worked for many years as a school psychologist in the Griffin, Elma, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord/Clover Park School Districts. She had an unwavering commitment to helping students find their voice, overcome challenges, and believe in themselves. Her impact on the lives she touched is immeasurable.

Maureen met Dennis at a farm in Fall City, where she kept her horse. Shortly thereafter, they stood side by side as maid of honor and best man in the wedding of mutual friends. Their love quickly deepened, and after several years of dating, they married. In 1970, they moved to the Steamboat Island community and, in 1973, built their home together on Gravelly Beach Loop using only hand tools. That house became the heart of their family and the place where they raised their children and spent more than 50 years together.

Beyond her professional and family life, Maureen was deeply engaged in her community. She served two terms on the Griffin School Board, where she advocated fiercely for students, teachers, and families. She was known for her wisdom, compassion, and dedication to equity and excellence in education.

Maureen was a renaissance woman: intelligent, kind, loyal, and endlessly creative. She was a gifted chef, seamstress, and artist. She lived life to the fullest, mastering swimming, scuba diving, downhill skiing, and horseback riding. She gave generously of her talents and was always thinking of how she could help others. She had a deep and abiding love for animals, always surrounded by beloved pets and known for her gentle way with every creature she met.

She was a pioneer in every sense blazing her own trail with quiet courage, grace, and grit. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, service, and boundless love.

Maureen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dennis Karras; her daughter Marissa Duerr (Brian), her son Peter Karras (Shelby); her cherished grandchildren Samantha, Logan, Anna, and Michael; her sister Sharon McGill, and her brother Jim Hale.

Her life was a gift to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In memoriam, donations can be made to the Family Support Center of South Sound, whose mission to support and uplift families in need was deeply meaningful to Maureen and reflective of the values she carried throughout her life.