Norelyn Maurelli

Norelyn was born May 5, 1936, in Kenosha Wisconsin, the first child of Norman & Evelyn Wegner. She grew up in the church and met her future husband at a Youth for Truth gathering in her teens. She married John Maurelli in September 1955, and they began their adventurous life together. The early years of marriage were full of relocations that created friendships around the country and allowed them to experience regional sites and cultures: Buffalo, NY, Miami, FL, Gainesville, FL, Syracuse, NY, Atlanta, GA and (finally) Owensboro, KY. She managed the home and 2 children while John studied and received his Bachelor’s, Master’s and later Doctorate. John often spoke of how they earned them together because he could not have done it without her. In her early 30’s she took work outside the home with a short career with Sears-Roebuck. When they expanded their family again, she returned to managing the house and began aiding expectant mothers with natural childbirth and birth coaching. She did not charge for her services - it was a labor of love for the women she supported and encountered. Over the span of her time as a birth coach she attended over 250 births. She knitted sweaters and blankets or sewed bath wraps for every one of those babies and many other babies she knew about. She loved to see new life entering this world. She also founded and led a food co-operative, to foster healthier food choices long before it was popular.

Norelyn was a strong and faithful woman. Her Christian values mirrored the Beatitudes - she was humble and meek, championed justice for the oppressed, demonstrated fairness and was a wonderful peacemaker. Her home church was the Berean Christian Bible Students, with churches in Buffalo and Chicago. She was a regular attendee for over 50 years at the Berean Christian Conference (for decades at Grove City College). After moving to Houston, John and Norelyn made Graceway Church their place of worship, where they were active in Bible Studies and Sunday School up until their last days. Her long history of church service included running the nursery and toddler care, cooking at Camp Blessing and volunteer anytime someone needed a hand. She used her hands for Christian action, and at every potluck there was always a request “Norelyn please bring the salad.” She was also well known for her lasagna and tiramisu. The bumper sticker on their van for the past 20 years says it all – “Love People. Cook them tasty food.”

Norelyn passed peacefully in her sleep March 6, 2026, at home with her family, just 2 months shy of her 90th birthday. After 60 years of marriage, she had survived John by 10 years and a pandemic, and she was ready to go and be with him. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Shirley & Max Baum. She is survived by her sister Patricia & Al Kopp; her brother Rick and Becky Wegner; her 4 children Stephen & Mary Maurelli, Deborah & Tamara Maurelli-Powers, Elizabeth Maurelli & Brian Horner and Andre & Roxianne Maurelli; her 8 grandchildren Nico Maurelli, Armando Maurelli, Christina Suarez, Filomena Horner, Charlie Horner, Austen Rodriguez, Meranda Caad, and Luca Maurelli, plus 8 great grandchildren.

Mom will be cremated and her ashes side by side with Dad. There will be a Celebration of Life planned in the future, date is still to be decided (likely early May around her birthday). The service will be held at Graceway Church in Houston.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Norelyn’s favorite recipients – Camp Blessing. https://www.campblessing.com/donate/.  She has been a long-time donor and supporter.