Rest In Peace, Mother

Maureen Elizabeth Stevenson passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at The Pioneer Home in Palmer, Alaska. She was 88 years old. 

Maureen was born on May 18, 1937, in Santa Rita, New Mexico, to Talbot and Kathryn Barger. She had two brothers, Roland and Stanley Barger.

In her younger years, Maureen moved to Colorado, where she married Jannen “Jack” Amgwert, the only child of Henry “Bud” and Esther Amgwert. During their years in Fort Collins, the couple owned and operated The Westerner, a shop located in downtown Fort Collins that was well known to many in the community.

Maureen and Jack raised five children: Stewart, Kelly, Noel, Ruth, and Reed. In 1971, she moved her family to Palmer, Alaska, where she would spend the remainder of her life. Her later relationships had big impacts on our family.  Her marriage to Robert Stevenson brought us four loved Stepsisters: Cindy, Vicky, Ricky, and Wendy.  And her long partnership with Stanley Murdock gave her grandchildren a beloved grandfather.

Throughout the years, Maureen worked in many roles that reflected her strong work ethic and independence. She held positions as a line-order cook, school bus driver, receptionist, meter reader, remote camp cook, and landlord.

Maureen had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and simple pleasures. She loved animals, enjoyed gardening, and spent time shooting and bird watching. These interests brought her joy and kept her closely connected to the natural beauty of Alaska.

She will be remembered for her resilience, her independence, and her devotion to family.

Maureen is survived by her children Kelly, Noel, Ruth, and Reed. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, 3 partners, and her son Stewart.

The public is invited to join us for a memorial on April 18, at 2:00 at the Presbyterian Church in Palmer. A private family remembrance will be held at a later date. The family asks that those who wish to honor Maureen’s memory take time to enjoy the outdoors, care for animals, or tend a garden—simple pleasures she cherished throughout her life.