Maire Trelz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maire Trelz, formerly known as Liukko, who departed this life on January 15, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on December 31, 1935, Maire was a beacon of warmth and kindness, a soul who never met a stranger, and someone who had an unparalleled gift for connecting with others. Her energetic spirit lit up any room she entered, and her genuine love for people made her an unforgettable presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Maire dedicated her life to her family, often stating that “her fortune was her family.” She was a devoted caregiver to her beloved husband, Martin Arnold Trelz, until his passing, embodying a deep well of love, kindness, and nurturing spirit. Her legacy is woven through the lives of her three children: Eric (Therese) Trelz, Mark (Heidi) Trelz, and Dawn Sheri (Late, Kenneth) Iborg. She cherished the laughter and love that her seven grandchildren—Katherine (Chris) Bruce, Thomas Iborg, Frederick (Abigail) Trelz, Nicholas (Jessica) Trelz, Madeline (Elijah) Shelton, Harrison (Jacqueline) Trelz, and Martin Trelz—brought into her life, as well as her two great-grandchildren, Alexander Bruce and Jordan Bruce.

Maire was not only a devoted family member but also an immensely talented individual with a myriad of interests. She was an exceptional cook and seamstress, whose culinary delights and handcrafted creations became cherished family traditions. Her remarkable writing ability found expression as she assisted her church by documenting various biographies, showcasing her love for storytelling and preserving memories. A lifelong learner, Maire was also an avid fan of 'Jeopardy!', with her family often encouraging her to grace the stage of the show with her vast knowledge. There was not a crossword puzzle she couldn't tackle, demonstrating her sharp intellect and quick wit.

Her accomplishments extended to her love for music, as Maire was an accomplished pianist and organist - her musical talents were evident in the fact that she shared her knowledge by offering music lessons to others. She also often played the organ at church for Sunday services. She used her talents to uplift others, working for the charity Friends of Moms at Chapel of the Cross—an endeavor that reflected her compassionate nature. Yet, perhaps her proudest achievement was the deep and abiding relationship she nurtured with God, a testament to her faith and spirituality.

Maire's kindness and generosity extended beyond her family. She was known to brighten the lives of those around her, fostering connections with each warm smile and heartfelt conversation. Her two brothers, Paavo (Monique) Liukko and Jorma (Jacqueline) Liukko, along with her nieces Gillyan and Erin, and nephews Richard, Garth, Michael, and Matti, will remember her vibrant spirit and the love she poured into every interaction.

Maire joins her late husband, Martin "Mark", her mother Kerttu Liukko, her father Matti Liukko, and her brother Ray (Jean) Liukko in eternal rest. Her spirit remains woven into the fabric of her family, and her legacy will continue to inspire love and connection among those she leaves behind.

As we mourn the loss of such a beautiful soul, we also celebrate the richness of her life and the countless hearts she touched along the way. Maire Trelz will forever be remembered as a devoted mother, a loving grandmother, a talented musician, and a friend to many. May her memory be a blessing and her light forever shine in the hearts of all who knew her.