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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Maya Ogren
MAYA BEVERLY OGREN
Cedar Rapids
Maya Beverly Ogren, 60, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, transitioned from this life to the spirit world on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Though she journeyed with cancer, her vitality, passion and zest for life endured even in her last days. Her mission to educate and inspire a personal commitment to the natural world will live on through the non-profit organizations she founded and the innumerable lives she touched.
Maya graduated from high school in Hawley, Minn. Concordia College was her springboard into world travels, from Germany to Israel to Norway and beyond with her trusty mandolin as her constant companion. Her beautiful alto voice and talent on piano, guitar, mandolin, flute and clarinet enlivened many gatherings.
She graduated with her juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota in 1985. She practiced law for many years before becoming a naturalist, educator and accredited National Park Service interpreter. She served in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Maquoketa Caves, the Tallgrass Prairie, the Ozarks and the Texas hill country. Her passion for conservation even led her to establish the Mexico Glass Recycling Initiative, which garnered her national attention.
Maya founded Naturalist Adventures and later Iowa Master Naturalists to empower others to volunteer in their communities promoting awareness, understanding and stewardship of Iowa's natural world. Donations to Iowa Master Naturalists will be accepted in lieu of flowers via PayPal to mayaogren@gmail.com.
Maya always said, "The people in your family are the most important people in the world." She adored her children and grandchildren and frequently called herself their "biggest fan." Her imagination, creativity and patience made her a beloved playmate to multiple generations.
She is survived by her children, Letia (Ogren-Gunderson) Blanco and Alida (Ogren-Gunderson) Selim; two grandchildren, Rokaya and Mona Selim; brothers, Derek Nelson, Troy Nelson, Baron Ogren and William Ogren Jr.; and sister, Sheree (Ogren) Spear.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. at Unity Church at 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with dinner and a Celebration of Life to follow.
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