Maureen Anne Phenix-Secrist, age 57, of Gladstone passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at her home.
 
Maureen was born on November 8, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan to William and Mary (Joyce) Phenix. She attended Eastern Michigan University and was a graduate of Bay de Noc College, Northern Michigan University and the University of Michigan - Graduate School of Social Work. She worked as a nurse aide at Saint Francis Hospital in Escanaba and as a classroom aide in the Escanaba Area Schools. Additionally, she was employed by the Presbytery of Mackinac and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Delta County. She with her former husband, Joel Secrist owned and operated Joel’s Restaurant in Escanaba. In more recent years, Maureen worked as a Counselor at the Delta/Menominee Health Department and as a Clinical Therapist at the Hiawatha Mental Health Center in Manistique.  Most recently, she worked as a therapist at Pathways in Escanaba.
 
She was a past president of the Delta County League of Women Voters and a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
 
Maureen is survived by her son: Joel Secrist III of Escanaba, MI and two daughters: Sara Secrist of Traverse City, MI and Kristin (Peter Brancheau) Secrist of Frankfort, MI and one grandson, Devin Montgomery.  Additionally, Maureen is survived by her fiancé Terry Green, her sister, Alice Robert of Englewood, Florida and her brother William (Patricia) Phenix of Plymouth, Michigan. Maureen loved music and reading. She was blessed with a remarkable and inquisitive mind. She was passionate about life and the people that were close to her. She will be missed.
 
Memorial Services celebrating Maureen’s life will be Saturday, May 26, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with Pastor Scott White of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Maureen’s family will receive friends from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at Maureen’s home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be sent to the Delta County Alliance Against Violence and Abuse.