Maureen Browning
Dec. 11, 1941-May 30, 2025
Rugby
Maureen McGuire Browning passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 30, 2025, at the age of 83.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister who believed life’s greatest joy was to love and be loved. Her favorite book, Love by Leo Buscaglia, reflected the values she lived by, teaching her children to lead with empathy and compassion.
She often recalled the magical moment she met her husband, Gary, at college in Greeley, Colorado, a love-at-first-sight connection that grew into a devoted 63-year marriage. Together, they built a joyful life, especially cherishing their time at the family cabin on Lake Metigoshe, boating, skiing, and enjoying the peace of nature.
Maureen grew up in Rugby, ND, surrounded by lakes and rivers. Descended from ferry boat builders, she carried a lifelong love for the water, diving well into her 80s, boating, and waterskiing. A gifted storyteller like her father, she brought memories to life with warmth, humor, and vivid detail.
She found joy in teaching third grade and later thrived as a boutique owner and fashion buyer. A creative spirit and pageant queen, her inner beauty shone even brighter than her outer grace.
A breast cancer survivor, Maureen endured 11 major surgeries and vision loss with remarkable strength and gratitude. She began writing a memoir about her medical journey, which was left unfinished after a stroke.
In her final act of generosity, Maureen chose to donate her body to the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine through its Willed Body Program, a deeply meaningful way to give back to the medical community that had supported her so profoundly.
The family held a small, private memorial service upon her death.
Maureen is survived by her beloved husband, Gary; her devoted children, Jim and Lori; her three precious granddaughters; and her cherished sister, Candyce.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the University of Arizona, College of Medicine: https://give.uafoundation.org/com-tuc.
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, June 14, 2025.