Maribeth F Wege

Maribeth Falkenberg Wege passed away on February 21, 2018, after courageously battling cancer numerous times. She was 88 years old. Maribeth touched so many lives with her warm, beautiful smile, and her innate ability to listen and make others feel loved and special. She lived her life with an incredibly optimistic and positive outlook.

Maribeth was born December 12, 1929, in Virginia, Minnesota, to Anna and Ernest Falkenberg. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth branch. After teaching for a few years in Rochester, Minnesota, she and her sister, Janet, moved to Seattle, where she taught kindergarten and first grade in the Seattle Public Schools.

She was married to Bill Wege for 23 years and they had a daughter, Anne.

Faith was a very important part of Maribeth’s life. She was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church for many years. Her church family brought great meaning and joy to her life. She sang in the choir and was an active member of the altar guild.

She always had a smile on her face and love in her heart. Maribeth made instant friends wherever she went. A special group of friends included her “bridge ladies,” who met every other week for over 60 years. This wonderful group of women genuinely cared for and supported each other through life’s journeys.

Maribeth volunteered for many organizations. She especially enjoyed touching the lives of little ones in her weekly visits with the Head Start program.

She was a loving and supportive mother and she and Anne shared a very special bond. The unconditional love of a mother is like no other. Maribeth also was a supportive mother-in-law and a loving and proud Nana to her three grandsons, who brought her great joy and pride. She was always quick to share stories of how amazing they were to anyone that might listen!

She also leaves behind her dear and treasured companion, Ray Puddicombe, with whom she shared a love of theater and opera. They took many wonderful trips together over the years, and their relationship truly enhanced her life.

Maribeth is survived by her daughter, Anne Waltman (Barry); and her three grandchildren, Ryan, Eric, and Brendan. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Falkenberg, and survived by her sisters, Janet Pearson and Donna Thompson, and her nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on April 21, at 1pm, at Christ the King Lutheran Church (3730 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-746-1711). A reception will follow.

The family suggests remembrances be made to the American Cancer Society or Christ the King Lutheran Church. Please sign her guestbook at www.ButterworthFuneralhome.com.

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”