Margaret Mary Maez

Mar. 20, 1952 - Dec. 21, 2022

Date of Service: Jan. 6, 2023

BELLEVUE – It's with a mournful heart to share that my mom Margaret Mary Maez, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of December 21, 2022, at the age of 70, at The Cove of Cascadia, in Bellevue.

Margaret, was born March 20, 1952, in Burley, ID, to George and Helen MacDonald. She was a graduate from Minico High School, in Rupert, ID, in 1970. A short time after graduation, she married, but later divorced, Max VanMatre, and had their son, Aaron VanMatre in 1974. In 1985, she had her second child/daughter, Kari Latta, whom was adopted by wonderful, loving family friend's, Rod and Bonnie Latta. In the early 1980's, she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certification and worked for Boise Capital Care Center for a few years. In her early years, she enjoyed and loved playing piano and singing for others. Unfortunately, due to physical and mental health challenges, her road and journey in life changed with many hard, and difficult challenges and needs.

She lived her later life at The Cove of Cascadia in Bellevue, ID. Despite the hardships, the challenges, she always had a gentle, open, and loving heart for everyone that she came in contact with. In her moments and times of clarity and good health, she had a charming humor that would make you laugh and smile! She was a light of encouragement and care that shined to many other individuals facing their own physical, mental, and emotional challenges and needs. Despite her own limitations, God definitely strengthened her spirit to show His love for everyone through her. Believe me, she definitely had her days of mood swings and grumpy moments Lol. Of which, considering the circumstances throughout her life, it was absolutely understandably so. I can honestly say, I now know where my temperament has come from! Lol Mom, you always had the true, loving heart a mother has for her son! I thank you!!! Although my heart hurts right now of losing you, it does rest a little easier knowing that you no longer have those pains and hardships, your mind is clear and sharp, and your reunion in Heaven with family, friends, and your Jesus must have been epic!! For now, I will greatly miss you and will always Love you!! So, so long for now....until we meet again one day! I Love you!!

Margaret is survived by her brother, Ed (Sue) MacDonald; her son, Aaron VanMatre; her daughter, Kari (VanMatre) Latta; nieces, Alicia MacDonald and Melissa (MacDonald) Lackey; and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George MacDonald and Helen (Hayes) MacDonald; her former husband, Max VanMatre; and her nephew, Michael MacDonald, as well as other family members.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home located at 1350 East 16th Street in Burley, where a visitation will be held from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Rupert Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests to have donations made in memory of Margaret Maez to the care and needs of the patients at The Cove of Cascadia, 620 N. 6th St. Bellevue, ID 83313.