Jorene Lillian Adams Maier

Jorene Lillian (Adams) Maier, adored wife of 62 years to Moritz (Morrie), and beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully in Selah, WA surrounded by family Sunday, April 6, 2014.

Jorene was born in Yakima, WA, on November 4, 1928, to Josephus and Lillian Adams. Her father would tell her, “The day you were born was the most beautiful, sunny day of the year!” She grew up with her older sisters, Fern and Eloise, and as the youngest never lacked for love or attention. She graduated in 1946 from St. Joseph’s Academy in Yakima, and then went to college in Spokane on a music scholarship. After college she taught grade school and music at St. Joseph’s Grade School, before marrying her husband Morrie in Yakima in 1951.

Jorene loved to sing and play the piano. While skipping most of her children, this ‘gift of music’ thankfully reappeared in several of her grandchildren. She also found time to help at her church and community, including in her later years working with the Carmelite Sisters of Oregon and as a Hospice volunteer in both Eugene and Yakima. Jorene thought that Hospice nurses were like “midwifes for the dying,” which is just so darn beautiful!

Another of her proudest accomplishments was finally learning to drive while in her 30’s, something from which the family cars would never fully recover.

One of Jorene’s great gifts was a memory unmatched, which she coupled with a love of story telling. All of her children and grandchildren grew up surrounded by her wonderful and colorful tales. Sadly most of her children did not inherit her incredible memory, but all love to talk - they just don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story!

Jorene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Moritz (Morrie); nine children: Tom (Debbi), Bob (Deborah), Dick (Barbie), Steve (Kim), John (Ruth), Bill (Sheila), Mary (Steve), Joe (Angela), Kevin (Anna); 28 grandchildren and their spouses;12 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Throughout her life, and especially in her last days, visits by the young children and babies in her life brought her great joy and comfort. Jorene also welcomed so many others into her life over the years. She considered them all family, including Jackie, Jesse, Sue, Dave, and “her angel” Hunter.

In one of her last statements, which all who witnessed will never forget, Jorene looked at her husband Morrie and said she would marry him all over again. Again, just so darn beautiful!

Visitation will be Friday, April 11, 2014 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Selah, WA with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Special thank you to Dr. Robert Krauth and staff.

Jorene prayed for everyone in her life. Every day. We’re sure she would ask for prayers for her family in this trying time. Also, while Jorene loved flowers (especially Orchids), instead of gifts and flowers she asked that you instead give to those in most need around you.

To celebrate Jorene’s life, and share a memory, visit www.lmfuneralhome.com.