Maria A. Aikin, 61
Maria Aikin passed away unexpectedly Sept. 4, 2017, three days after her 61st birthday, in Milwaukie, Oregon.
Maria touched many lives and was generous with her time and many talents. She was a master chef, an accomplished gardener, a talented seamstress and an avid reader. Maria appreciated and supported the arts and music.
She was a low key, unflappable, highly skilled professional who earned degrees in psychology, business administration and public administration. Maria had a diverse career as an administrator in wholesale food distribution, technology and law enforcement. Her final job was as the executive assistant to the Gladstone, Oregon, chief of police.
Maria was born Sept. 1, 1956, in Butte to Wilbur and LaVonne Aikin. She grew up in Kalispell with her parents and younger sister, Rebecca. She had an active childhood, participating in Girl Scouts, Rainbow Girls, and many musical avenues where she excelled as a pianist and French horn player.
She moved to Oregon in 1982 and became deeply embedded in the Portland community. A particularly happy time in Maria’s life was after her mother moved to Milwaukie in 2008. They enjoyed as many cultural events together as possible, making the most of what the Portland area had to offer.
She was a dog lover who over the years had four very special canine companions, Jenny, Bert and Ernie, and finally Charlie, who was by her side when she died.
Maria was preceded in death by her nephew, Jason Aikin-Wolfe; father, Wilbur; mother, LaVonne; and sister, Rebecca.
She is survived by her niece, Jessica Aikin-Wolfe, of Kalispell; cousins, Kathy Reed (Charles Dustin) and family of Portland, Marge Reed of Philomath, Oregon, and Don Reed (Risa Greendlinger) and family of Needham, Massachusetts; and a lifetime of friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Milwaukie, where Maria was an active member and integral part of the congregation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, Milwaukie, OR; Family Dogs New Life Shelter, a no kill dog shelter, Portland, OR; Rahab’s Sisters, who assists marginalized women, Portland, OR; or another charity of your choice.