Maurine Anne Gutowski's Obituary
Maurine Anne Gutowski, age 81, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020 at her home. She was born on February 24, 1939 to George and Ruby Maurine (Barrowman) Balluff in Mineola, NY. Maurine dedicated her life to education and traveled the world teaching linguistics and English at a number of universities after receiving a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Washington. Maurine worked tirelessly for others. She volunteered with many church and community organizations and was beloved by many. Her time in Muskegon included many years of teaching English as a Second Language to immigrants and refugees. Her skills as a linguist served her well as she studied and spoke multiple languages including Norwegian, German, Japanese, Spanish and others. Maurine was an alto in the Sacred Heart Choir and the Alleluia Chorus. She also played piano, organ, viola, and guitar. Music was a vital part of her life. She inspired her son, Joseph, to play the viola and he now has made music his career. Maurine is survived by her husband of 40 years, Gordon Gutowski; son, Joseph (Sharon) Gutowski; step children, Steven Gutowski, David Gutowski, Thomas Gutowski, Jeffrey (Iris) Gutowski; grandchildren, Steve Jr., Stephanie, Kristopher, Krystina, Dillon, Jack, Isaac, Rose; and great-grandchildren; brother, George Balluff; sisters, Adelaide (Peter) Isaacson and Dolores Spagnoli; 11 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her stepson, Brian Gutowski, sister Mary Christine Fanning; parents George and Ruby Maurine Balluff; brother-in-law James Spagnoli. A MEMORIAL MASS for Maurine will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on June 23, 2020 at 11:00 am. Due to health restrictions, only 100 people are allowed in the mass. Burial will take place at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, NY. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of The Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444. Feel free to share a memory with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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