On Monday, February 22, local retired educator Maureen Lasley passed away peacefully from natural causes in her Red Bluff home. Maureen, born in Redding, grew up in Red Bluff, attended Mercy High School, completed her undergraduate degree, and earned her teaching credential at Chico State. Maureen then dedicated her career to her life’s passion, education. As an elementary school teacher, Maureen strove to find creative ways to instill a love of reading, writing, exploration, and the arts in every student that walked through her door. As many readers may remember, her production of A Christmas Carol became a longstanding tradition at Metteer School. With some reluctance, Maureen chose to leave the classroom and became a librarian for the Red Bluff Elementary School District and then finished her career at the Tehama County Office of Education. In this final phase of her career, Maureen’s greatest joy came from promoting literacy and a love of reading throughout the county. Until her retirement, Maureen brought numerous award-winning children’s book authors for events at local schools and coordinated the annual day-long LitFest workshop and award ceremony for excellence in writing and the arts.
Beyond her career, Maureen lived a rich life. She loved to travel, quilt, and relished every moment spent in conversation with friends and family. She lived an ever-optimistic life, celebrated the successes and accomplishments of others more than those of her own, and had empathy without limit. Maureen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Charles; her son, Christopher; and her daughter Jennifer. She is also survived by her step-daughters, Dawn and Jill, and beloved grandsons by Jennifer, Evan and Ian. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 7th, at 10:00 AM at Chapel of the Flowers.
