09/01/2026
Maureen Elizabeth Kallinen
Maureen Elizabeth Kallinen passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026. She was 93 years old. She was born April 23, 1933 in Skagit County, Washington to Charles Albert Chamberlain and Elsie Vivian Olander. Maureen grew up primarily in Milton, Washington with her parents and sister, Barbara. She married William Walfred Kallinen, Jr. Jan 12, 1963. Together with Bill, they raised their children in Burien; and then Lake Tapps, Washington.
Maureen was survived by her four children: Norma, Connie, Charles, and Andrew; 7 grandchildren: Candace, Nikki, Charles, Cody, Samantha, Joshua, and Niko; and 7 great-grandchildren; as well as her sister, Barbara.
Maureen had a love of travel, as well as genealogy. She and Bill took their children on many cross- country road trips to Massachusetts, to visit her husband’s family. They also traveled abroad; to Australia to meet and visit with her extended family, as well as to Finland to visit Bill’s family.
As a young woman she worked as a switch board telephone operator, and then at the downtown Seattle Sears department store for many years. For fun, Maureen enjoyed bowling, and playing in leagues. She took pride in her multiple trophies for 300 Games.
Maureen was a giver; of all things. Among other acts of contribution, she raised a few of her grandchildren as her own children, and donated one of her kidneys to her husband when he was diagnosed with kidney failure. She cared for the misfortunate, including some of her terminally ill friends. She was an avid knitter, and she donated her knit hats and blankets to causes such as battered women’s shelters. She regularly donated blood and platelets. She was an active member of her communities and church, donating her time and energy any way she could. Even near the end of her life she was a helping soul, filling the role of ambassador to new residents at the assisted living facility where she lived in Milton, after she moved out of her Lake Tapps house.
Maureen was also a collector. She collected spoons from all over the world, and she proudly displayed over 400 unique and beautiful pieces on her dining room walls.
Maureen’s kindness, generosity, and sense of humor will be missed and remembered by many, whose lives she touched.
A service will be held at Creator Lutheran Church in Lake Tapps on September 8th, 2026 at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow.
Burial will be at Tahoma National Cemetery on September 9th, 2026; at 1:30 P.M.
If you feel compelled to make a contribution, Maureen would’ve been happy if you donated blood to your local blood bank.
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