Mary Mauren

Mary E. Mauren, M.A., M.M. September 20, 1935 - March 4, 2019 Age 83 Mary Elaine (LaCourse) Mauren - age 83, of Bellevue, died peacefully Monday, March 4th, 2019 surrounded by loving family. Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and friend, Mary was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, the youngest daughter of Lawrence J. and Viola G. LaCourse. She attended Marygrove College, in Detroit, Michigan and upon graduation, earning a B.A. in Sociology and a teaching certification in 1957, married her high school sweetheart, Raymond J. Mauren Jr., and moved to Seattle where they raised 8 children. Mary and Ray were married 49 years before Ray's death in 2007 after a long illness. Mary had a remarkable teaching and ministry career, touching the lives of thousands in the Pacific Northwest and around the country. An early leader of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, Mary founded Agape Prayer Community with 5 people in the living room of the Mauren home in 1971. The weekly gatherings grew to more than 60 at their largest, and continued for more than 25 years. In addition to praying and singing together, participants desired to study the Bible, however, there were no local Bible studies in the Catholic community. So, in 1975, Mary decided to go "back to school". Mary earned two graduate degrees, Master of Arts Theology, St. Thomas Seminary, Kenmore, Washington (1977) and Master of Ministry with scripture emphasis, Seattle University, Seattle Washington (1979). Mary authored a five-year bible study, Scripture Share and Prayer, and taught this series in parishes throughout the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle. The entire Old and New Testament study was videotaped under the auspices of the Archdiocese and then Catholic parishes around the country offered the program, including studies in Prophets, Pentateuch, Wisdom Literature, Pauline Epistles, Synoptic Gospels and the Writings of John. Mary served on the faculty of Seattle University's Institute of Theological Studies Program, Scripture and Leadership Training (S.A.L.T). In addition to formal teaching, Mary led numerous growth groups for women, established the Naming Myself program, facilitated retreats of various kinds, and workshops on spirituality around the country. Mary was a Church organist for many years and loved to play music and sing, launching most family road trips in prayer and song. Her home in Bellevue was always open for service and in addition to embracing those in crisis who needed a place to stay, welcomed a constant circulation of prayer groups, women's and youth groups there. All who met her were touched by her hospitality and deep, abiding faith. She is survived by her children, Mark (Belinda), Mary Clare (Dan) Kocarnik, Raelyn (Peter) Colleran, Paul (Jane), Anne, Karen, and Kris (Joni); 16 grandchildren; Jonathan (Beverly), Jessica (Brad), Kathryn, Ben (Adrienne), Kyle (Veronica), Nathan (Catie), Monica (Tony), Laura (Jake), Rebecca, Tommy, Samantha, Alexander-John "A. J.", Elizabeth, Erin-Grace, Emily and Matthew, and 6 great grandchildren, Walter, Simon, Lena, Madelyn, Mason, and Eliza. In addition to her beloved husband, Ray, Mary was preceded in death by her son Lawrence, and sisters Mildred Sheppard and Lois Sima, and brothers Kenneth, John and Raymond LaCourse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louise Parish, Bellevue, March 22nd, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors at the Church prior to the Mass between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and immediately following the funeral Mass. Arrangements by Powers Funeral Home.