Maureen Frances Malleis

Maureen was born in Tennessee on July 11, 1945 to the late Jack and Frances Casey. She was the oldest girl in a family of 11 children. Being part of a military family, Maureen lived in various towns while growing up but spent most of her time in Grand Rapids.

Maureen was a graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central. She earned her Bachelor’s from the University of Detroit Mercy, where she was in the Catholic Women’s Club. She received her Master’s of Social Work from the Grand Valley State University. Maureen worked the majority of her career first and foremost as a Mom of nine children, and then as a Social Worker for the chronically mentally ill in the community. She was a daily communicant at St. Alphonsus Parish, opening the church for morning Mass for many years. She also gave her time as a CCD and an RCIA educator, worked with the Dominican Sisters, provided Spiritual Direction, and served in Jail Ministry. Maureen was proud to have helped establish the Catherine’s Health Center at St. Alphonsus Parish, and she had a soft heart to help anyone in need.

“Mo”, as she was known to those close to her, had a knack for making friends, who then quickly turned into family. She loved all-things Ireland, anything nature-related, especially if water was involved. In retirement, Maureen enjoyed traveling, visiting Meijer Gardens regularly, camping near Lake Michigan, at the spur of a moment flying her kite (which she kept in the trunk of her car), and watching deer and birds in her backyard. In addition, Mo cherished any time spent with her children and grandchildren. She leapt at any opportunity to visit her children in various parts of the country and world. Her kids remember fondly a Mom who was active; in her younger years Mo ice skated. In her middle years she played tennis and enjoyed Sunday golf at 7 a.m. In her later years, she swam and walked, and, it was a special treat spending time on a walk with Mom/Mo.

Maureen was preceded in death by her son Mark; her former spouse and father of her children, Thomas; brothers, Tim, Kevin, Terry, and Steve; nephews Brian and Charlie; and, niece Angela.

Maureen is survived by her children, Joseph, Matthew (Kendra), Catherine (George), John (Jodie), Anna (Douglas), Molly, Margaret, and Emily; 10 grandchildren; best friend and sister-in-law, Terri; siblings Kathy (Mark), Dan (Katie), Pat (Gerry), Sharon (Don), Mike, Chris (Judy); sisters-in-law Michalene and Karen; and, many nieces and nephews. Mo is also survived by SO MANY dear friends/family who all held special places in her heart--too numerous to mention.

A Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 4-7 p.m.,with a Rosary beginning at 4 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel which is at 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Mich. On Friday, Aug. 9, a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Parish,located at 224 Carrier Street NE, Grand Rapids, Mich. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service. There is a 2 p.m. Interment on Aug. 9th at Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery in Belmont, Mich. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial charitable contributions be made to either of the following charities: Catherine’s Health Center, located at 1211 Lafayette Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, https://catherineshc.org/donate/; or, Shriners Children’s Hospitals at http://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving.