August 10, 2013
August 10, 2013
I wish people around her will live many many years to remember and uonor her
A Memorial Service was held at Plymouth Congregational Church on Sunday, August 25 at 2:30 pm.
The family video-recorded the memorial service and posted it below in eight sections.
Memorial Service - Part 1, Welcome and Song
Memorial Service - Part 2, Russ' Eulogy
Memorial Service - Part 3, Taylor Story (grandson)
Memorial Service - Part 4, Patricia Memory
Memorial Service - Part 5, Flora - Quilt Poem
Memorial Service - Part 6, Diana, Sierra and Russ - "Amazing Grace"
Memorial Service - Part 7, Adam - 1 Corinthians 13, verses 4-8
Memorial Service - Part 8, Sermon, Benediction and Tolling of Bells
Maurine Leander Noble, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, avid quilter, published author, and one of the pioneers of machine quilting, died peacefully July 31, 2013 in Edmonds, Washington with her family by her side. She was 81.
Maurine was born February 6, 1932 in Seattle, Washington to Ella Leander. Her father Maurice passed away unexpectedly three weeks before she was born. She lived with her mother and two older brothers, Ivan and Bob in Ballard. She graduated from Ballard High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.
It was there she met her husband Ed, whose Army career took them far and wide to places like Germany, Chicago, New York City, Okinawa, California and Washington.
Maurine was an internationally recognized leader in machine quilting. Her first book Machine Quilting Made Easy was published in 1994 and is still in print. She went on to publish two other quilting books, Machine Quilting with Decorative Threads and Machine Appliqué. All three publications have been widely used and are still sought after. She taught machine quilting classes throughout the United States, Canada, and South Africa; it was one of her greatest passions and deepest joys. She made countless friends in the close-knit quilting community and many of them became part of her extended family.
Maurine’s generosity of spirit led her to organize The Plymouth PieceMakers, a quilt group whose purpose was to make and donate quilts to newborns, those suffering from long term illness, and later also for high school graduates at Plymouth Congregational Church in Seattle. The group's program of donating quilts expanded into the community through Plymouth Healing Communities, an organization supporting those suffering from mental illness and homelessness.
While Maurine was well-known for her machine quilting talents and exceptional teaching ability, her greatest legacy will be as a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband and three children, Lee Noble, Elin Antonsen (married to Lasse) and Russ Noble (married to Diana) and her three grandchildren, Taylor, Adam and Sierra, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her unconditional love, compassion, thoughtfulness, and uncommon grace, made her a strong role model. The world is and always will be a better place because Maurine was here.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in the memory of Maurine Noble to Plymouth Healing Communities at www.plyhc.org or at 1217 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.
We would love for you to add tributes, stories and photos of Maurine and her quilts to this site.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
August 10, 2013
August 10, 2013
I wish peaple around her,live many many years to remember and auhnor her
August 9, 2013
August 9, 2013
Dear Ed and Family,
We grieve with you at Maurine's untimely passing, yet we remember her with great joy. The picture of Maurine and Janie with stein in hand in the Fest Hall at the Hoff Brau House in Munich during the October Fest in 1957 brings back fond memories. We did a lot of fun things together. We bicycled to the Austrian border of the Tyrol, climbed Mt. Bronick, and listened to good mu
We grieve with you at Maurine's untimely passing, yet we remember her with great joy. The picture of Maurine and Janie with stein in hand in the Fest Hall at the Hoff Brau House in Munich during the October Fest in 1957 brings back fond memories. We did a lot of fun things together. We bicycled to the Austrian border of the Tyrol, climbed Mt. Bronick, and listened to good mu
August 8, 2013
August 8, 2013
Maurine will be missed. So sorry to hear of her passing. She is the one who taught me that machine quilting wasn't the sacrilege I had always believed it to be. She was an inspiration.
August 8, 2013
August 8, 2013
Dear Russ,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother passing. She was a very generous person. I hope that you and your family will have the strength during this time of lost. You have my deepest sympathy.
I am so sorry to hear about your mother passing. She was a very generous person. I hope that you and your family will have the strength during this time of lost. You have my deepest sympathy.
August 8, 2013
August 8, 2013
Dear Russ and Ed
Maurine has stayed in my heart as I have made quilting a daily passion. Mom ( Ellen Case) and I took a machine embroidery class so very long ago. Maurine, mother and grandma ( Ruth Smith) went to lunches together I also remember the first set of banners she created for Plymouth. A very special lady.
Maurine has stayed in my heart as I have made quilting a daily passion. Mom ( Ellen Case) and I took a machine embroidery class so very long ago. Maurine, mother and grandma ( Ruth Smith) went to lunches together I also remember the first set of banners she created for Plymouth. A very special lady.
August 7, 2013
August 7, 2013
Please accept my heartfelt condolence on Maurine's passing. I pray for her family, and friends. Her talent will live on in her books and lessons. God Bless you
Chris
Chris
August 7, 2013
August 7, 2013
My dear Maurine, how I miss you! I will always cherish the special memories of our times together. My life was enriched by knowing you and your dear family. Your loving spirit, unconditional acceptance, and friendship are just a few of the memories I will always hold dear in my heart. Sending love to Ed and Family...Pat
August 7, 2013
August 7, 2013
Quilters are special giving people and obviously Maurine epitomized that. Now I am going to be one of those people looking for her books. She obviously was a very talented, creative, and giving person who never met a stranger. It is folks like her who kept quilting alive when it was not popular. May God embrace your family and bring you Peace at this time. Susan
August 7, 2013
August 7, 2013
Maurine was my first quilt teacher and it was only through her gentle urging that I took my first class. I am forever grateful to her for opening this window for me and for her kind, nurturing nature. She was truly a highlight of my years in Seattle. Maurine was a gifted artist with a humble nature - a true gem. You are missed and loved. - Sandy
August 7, 2013
August 7, 2013
Dear Ed, Elin and family,
Our thoughts are with you and your families at this sad time. We feel privileged to have met and spent time with Maurine and with you over the years.
We wish you peace and love and we will forever lovingly remember Maurine.
Love, Joe and Sandy
Our thoughts are with you and your families at this sad time. We feel privileged to have met and spent time with Maurine and with you over the years.
We wish you peace and love and we will forever lovingly remember Maurine.
Love, Joe and Sandy
August 6, 2013
August 6, 2013
Maurine was one of my first quilting teachers. She was so kind, so patient - and yet her high standards were obvious. The world has lost a lovely and talented woman who was also compassionate and generous of spirit. Here's to healing wishes to her family and friends.
August 6, 2013
August 6, 2013
Our dear Maurine is surely teaching someone in heaven to machine quilt and applique! She was such a generous teacher and person! We will all miss her.
August 6, 2013
August 6, 2013
Elin and Lasse,
ONE HEART FEELS THE OTHER.. may your memories be the lights that guide you on your journey.. I am so sorry for your loss..
ONE HEART FEELS THE OTHER.. may your memories be the lights that guide you on your journey.. I am so sorry for your loss..
August 5, 2013
August 5, 2013
Maurine guided me in making my first quilt, at the old Northwest Sewing store. She was a wise, kind, and patient teacher, with a great sense of color. She loved what she did. I'll always think of her when I use that quilt My sincerest condolences to her family.
August 5, 2013
August 5, 2013
Maurine, a friend from first meeting. She had grace, kindness, humor and so much strength and determination in the face of pain. One of the truly good people. I know her wings were waiting for her - machine-quilted, of course. Go with love
August 5, 2013
August 5, 2013
I am very sad to hear of Maurine's passing. She had a real talent and I heard such great stories about her growing up. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends.
Sincerely,
Ryann
Sincerely,
Ryann
August 4, 2013
August 4, 2013
How wonderfully inspiring, loving and passionate a life! Building an existence of beauty through art and community. Maurine's time has hardly passed! The ripples continue to expand. The messages resonate. The love grows ever deeper....
August 4, 2013
August 4, 2013
I was so sad to hear of Maurine's passing..My memory of her is of a wonderful, warm person and a remarkable talent. Elin, I see your face in your mother's and I know she will live on in you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
August 4, 2013
August 4, 2013
What a wonderful legacy Maurine is leaving not only in her fabulous quilts but the beautiful family she and Ed have nurtured all of these years.We know what a loss she is to all of you. We send our love to you all as you contemplate the life of such an incredible woman-
Sue, Steve, Chaya, and Cora
Sue, Steve, Chaya, and Cora
August 3, 2013
August 3, 2013
I took my first machine embroidery class from Maurine in the 70's at Edmonds CC. I learned so much, she was such a good instructor, very patient! We became friends and enjoyed shared experiences in PNNAG over the years. I'll miss her!
August 3, 2013
August 3, 2013
I am so very sad to hear this beautiful lady has left us . How lucky I was to have been able to spend time with her. I have had a special place in my heart for her and always will. My prayers and sympathy go to Ed and family.
Thank you for being my friend!
Thank you for being my friend!
August 3, 2013
August 3, 2013
Maurine helped enrich the lives of many, many people, and I count myself among them. No matter what the occasion, Maurine was always a very positive, caring, supportive and generous person to everyone around her. Thanks for generously inviting us to celebrate your and Ed’s 50th wedding anniversary, at the beautiful house on the beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
August 3, 2013
August 3, 2013
I first met Maurine in 1975, as the mother of her wonderful son, Russ.
We hiked together, worked on the new Member Board together, and finally we sewed together. By creating the Plymouth Piecemakers, she
enriched the lives of us all as we learned to quilt, as she enriched the lives of all those who received quilts.
We hiked together, worked on the new Member Board together, and finally we sewed together. By creating the Plymouth Piecemakers, she
enriched the lives of us all as we learned to quilt, as she enriched the lives of all those who received quilts.
August 3, 2013
August 3, 2013
I was so shocked to hear of Maurine's passing. My guests at the B and B were here for the quilt show and we talked about Maurine; they so admired the quilt she had put together for one of my guest rooms. I was so blessed to know her and have her visit twice. I think of her and her kindness and generosity every time I see her quilt. Love and prayers to the Noble family.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Thank you Maurine for making my life so rich with your generous spirit. Having you as my quilting mentor and friend touched my life in so many precious ways. With every tear I shed in losing you so unexpectedly, I will remember to smile for all the wonderful times we spent together.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Maurine was my mentor and dear friend. I will never forget her generosity and her wisdom. All I know about quilting I learned from her.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
It is with great sadness that I receive news of Maurine's passing. Such a loving and generous person, and her legacy to quilters around the world immense. It was an honour to be included in her circle of quilting friends. Rest in peace.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
My grandma had the biggest heart. I am so sad that she is gone, but happy that she is out of pain. She will sleep with the angels now. I love you Nama.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
I met Maureen many years ago, I'm not sure at which quilt venue. What I do remember is that I felt I'd met an old friend, tho I had never seen her before. She was so clearly comfortable with herself she responded to me as if we had known each other forever. And she was like that each time we met thereafter. She was such a loving, compassionate woman, artist, friend...as are you, Elin.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Maureen changed my life with the one quilting class I took with her, making me a comfortable machine quilter thereafter. But her generosity and kindness as a person and a teacher is what I equally remember. And what a legacy she has left with her talented daughter. I am so proud to be part of this tribute to a very special person.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Maurine . . . . grace, kindness, gentleness . . . . always with us.
judi blaydon
judi blaydon
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Maurine made our Port Townsend retreats very special. It was a privilege to know her for all those years. She was ever generous and helpful, and just nice to be near. What a kind, sweet person.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
All positive and superlative words cannot describe Maurine. I joined Plymouth Piecemakers at its inception and had SO much fun and learned SO much. I'm very grateful.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
All the positive and superlative words cannot describe Maurine. I joined Plymouth Piecemakers at its inception and had SO much fun and learned SO much. I'm very grateful.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
I met Maurine through trips a few of we crazy Canadians made to Quilting-by-the-Sound. She and her friend Mical Middaugh travelled north to give classes here in Kitwanga BC, and we had such fun!! She taught us all so much of life as well as stitching and I will always think of her with grace.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Such a lovely lady. Will miss you terribly.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Our lives are like quilts…
bits and pieces,
joy and sorrow,
stitched with love."
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Russ and Diana, the kids and all of your loved ones. - The Whitakers xo
bits and pieces,
joy and sorrow,
stitched with love."
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Russ and Diana, the kids and all of your loved ones. - The Whitakers xo
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Maurine, you were like my second mom! Thanks for being so kind and making sure I had a warm place to go on all those holidays. Thanks for the greatest spaghetti ever - and the very best-ever vacation to Cabo! I will cherish my memories of you and will miss your loving spirit for ever.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
So sorry to hear of Maurine's passing. We had wonderful times over the years teaching together at Quilting by the Sound and Quilting by the Lake. She was a lovely, kind person and generous teacher. I will miss her. My thoughts are with Elin and your family in the coming days.
Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry
Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Like legions of other passionate quilt makers, Maurine taught me everything I know about machine quilting, and I still refer to her books. She was a wonderful teacher: informative, encouraging, generous and inspirational. Maurine was also a lovely human being who enriched the lives of all she touched. My deepest condolences to your family.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
Maurine's was a wonderful teacher. She taught the love of quilting and threads. She will be missed but live on in the books and quilts she made. So sorry for your loss.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
We offer our deepest condolences to Maurine's family and friends; it has been a bittersweet journey to read the stories and see the wonderful photographs of Maurine's vibrant life. Everyone here at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum shares in your sadness. As Teri Bever put it yesterday, "She was an excellent teacher, and she was humble, and everyone loved her."
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
I did not have the opportunity to meet Maureen but as a friend of Ed and of Lee, I know how much she meant to the family. You all have my deepest sympathy.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
My first meeting with Maurine was in 1999 at Quilting By the Sound, Port Townsend. I took two classes, back to back, with Maurine. That's when I learned what a privilege it was to be with this wonderful woman.
Deepest regards to Ed, Elin and family.
Deepest regards to Ed, Elin and family.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
We are so sorry that you have lost your wonderful mother Maureen.
She was always so gracious, caring and kind...
She was always so gracious, caring and kind...
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
I took a machine quilting class from Maurine in the mid 90s. She was an amazing teacher and lovely person. My condolences to her family.
August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013
It saddens me of dear Maurine's passing, A very kind, gentle amd telented individual in my memory. I will miss her, may her rest in peace.
August 1, 2013
August 1, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Maurine's passing. She helped to reignite my love of stitching, something that I will always remember and hold dear. We are fortunate to have met her and are sending prayers for her and her family. Love you all!
August 1, 2013
August 1, 2013
May the memories of Maurine and those special times you shared together are of comfort to you now and in the days to come. She was one talented woman and will be missed.
Peace, Prayers and Blessings
Sincerely,
Rachel
Peace, Prayers and Blessings
Sincerely,
Rachel
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
August 2, 2022
August 2, 2022
Patricia, thank you for your kind words. The family is doing well--we all miss Maurine and continue to reflect on her legacy and the profound impact she had on us. We wish she could have met her great-granddaughter. How Maurine would have loved her so! As she gets older, she'll hear stories about her father's "Nama" and all the wonderful memories she left behind. Best to you!
July 31, 2022
July 31, 2022
Dear Family of Maurine and Ed,
My thoughts and memories of all of you and our times together over the years bring a smile to face. Hoping you are all well and enjoying each and every day!
Love, Pat
My thoughts and memories of all of you and our times together over the years bring a smile to face. Hoping you are all well and enjoying each and every day!
Love, Pat
July 31, 2021
July 31, 2021
You were not ready to leave this life and I was not ready to say good bye, dear Maurine. Rest in peace. P.
Gallery
Quilt show in 2014. Maurine's quilt is the tree with oranges and golds.
Thanks for the memories mom. We miss and think of you every day.
Maurine treated our family to one of the best trips in our lives to Cabo in February 2004.
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Christmas 2000
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Recent stories
We miss you
July 31, 2021
by Russ Noble
Even after eight years, I cannot believe you are not here to share the precious moments of your grandchildren's and great-granddaughter's lives. We miss you and think of you every day. We have wonderful reminders of your generosity and artistic skill everywhere in our home.
February 7, 2019
Dear Noble Family,
Last week I spent two afternoons in Edmonds and couldn’t help feeling the loss of your dear parents. Our visits to their condo and nearby restaurants were always so special.
Thinking of you Maurine on your birthday, giving thanks for your dear friendship throughout the years. You are forever in my heart
August 1, 2017
I found such joy and total acceptance the very first day Maurine and I met, and she will always remain close to my heart. Also, I'm sending loving thoughts and special memories to all of Maurine's family...I miss you, too! Love, Pat Smith