Maureen was born and raised in Bismarck, ND. Known for her beauty, she was crowned Miss Bismarck. While attending college in North Dakota, she paid a brief visit to California where she decided it might be time for a change . Maureen went home to the snow, but she only lasted a few months before she packed her bags and headed to the warmth of Los Angeles.
California is where she met her husband, Jack Wilson, and they married in 1963. Moving to Santa Barbara, Jack and Maureen had two lovely daughters, Marcy and Christina. Maureen went back to college while her children were young receiving her nursing degree. She worked for many years at Cottage Hospital in the GI laboratory and then worked in health care research until a year before her passing.
Her daughters gave her three grandchildren, 18-year-old Ryan, 16-year-old Joshua, and 11-year-old Megan. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she loved spending time with them. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family. She traveled the world, but traveling with her grandchildren was very special.
Maureen was an excellent bridge player and always looked forward to her weekly competitive bridge games. She had many other interests including her book club, investment club, Assistance League (where she served as president), and socializing with her many friends.
In addition to her daughters, Marcy and Christina, she is survived by her grandchildren Ryan Mann, Joshua Mann and Megan Schnarr, her son in laws Scott Mann and James Schnarr, her brother Mike Bryant (Carol) of Sedona, AZ, and her brother-in-law Ron Wilson (Lidia) of Detroit, MI.
A celebration of Maureen’s life will be held Sunday, January 20th, 2013 at 2 PM at The Montecito Country Club located at 920 Summit Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. The family suggests that memorials in Maureen’s name be made to a charity of one’s choice.
