Maureen (Irby) Courtney

Position Filled – Maureen Irby Courtney, 69

Heaven has been seeking an avid gardener, hiking companion, photographer, wildflower expert, devoted volunteer and loving wife and mother for some time. On Saturday, September 30th, Maureen Irby Courtney of Auburn, Washington passed away from this earth, at home, where she filled that position so abundantly, to take her talents to heaven.

Maureen was born on July 9th 1948, in Seattle, Washington to Phyllis and Tom Irby and grew up between Auburn and Enumclaw with her two sisters, Barbara and Lynne. She was a self-proclaimed tomboy, electing to play outside rather than sit inside (not a shock for anyone who knew her). She spent many summers at Mt Rainier camping and hiking with both her parents and Aunt and Uncle. She described these times in her childhood as the happiest of her childhood memories, and where she gained her love for nature and the outdoors. Maureen graduated from Auburn High school in 1966 and was married on June 7th 1969, to Wayne Alan Courtney, whom in over 48 years of marriage, loved, adored her and even learned a thing or two about gardening and photography, whether he wanted to or not. She gave birth to Joshua David Courtney on July 19th 1978, whom she passed on her love of the outdoors, photography, gardening.

Maureen was an avid volunteer, lending her vast knowledge and talents to so many. She spent time volunteering as a 4-H photography, sewing, and cooking leader, 4-H Judge, Co-Op president, homeschool volunteer, Sunday school teacher, wildflower expert and speaker, and designer of the Enumclaw / Buckley 410 Trail landscaping. In addition to the many organizations she lent her time and talents to, she was always ready to drop everything and give her time to anyone in need. Providing meals, housekeeping, gardening, trips to the doctor or just a good friend to talk to and get through a hard time.

She had compassion for those less fortunate than her and kept up and donated to many charities providing food, water, education and most importantly, the love of God to those around the world. She was a strong Christian who loved Jesus everyday of her life, read the Bible, and helped lead many people to Christ. Maureen will be missed by so many not just for the things she did but for the person she was.

She was preceded in death by her father Tom, her sister Barbara, her aunt Joanne and many friends that were called home too early, as she was. She is survived by her mother Phyllis, her husband Wayne, their son Josh and his wife Jean and grandson Baron, and her sister Lynne. She is also known as “Auntie M”, which also stood for surrogate mother and grandmother to her nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and children whom she shepherded.                                                                                                    

There will be a 'Celebration of Life' service presided over by Bruce Thweatt on Saturday October 14th at 2pm at Wabash Church, located at: 18325 SE 384th St, Auburn, WA 98092. This service is open to anyone who would like to attend, whose life she has touched in anyway over her wonderful life. Maureen will be buried at Enumclaw Memorial Park, Friday, October 13th., in a private service for close friends and family prior to the Celebration service.

It’s a great position that has been filled in Heaven, one that only she could have filled with her immense talents, love and compassion.

 Service Information