Michele Rae Maier

Michele Rae Maier, 65, of Newport, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Cherry Point Bay Nursing & Rehab Center. 

A memorial service to honor Michele’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, August 16th at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. James Chadwick.

Michele was born on January 6, 1959, in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Robert Mellen and Evelyn Gratton.

She was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but always looked out for those she cared about. She would do anything for her loved ones. She never missed a birthday and would often call you just to remind you that it’s someone’s birthday! She wanted to make sure you didn’t forget! 

Her oldest daughter has lived in Florida for several years and every single time a storm was coming she would call. If a storm was coming and Michele didn’t call, something was wrong! Her daughter would explain, “Mom... we get storms all the time”, but Michele was still worried and wanted to make sure proper precautions were taken. 

Michele was an animal lover through and through. She adored her fur babies over the years. Back in the day she even did some volunteer work with a local shelter. 

Michele’s nickname was “Seashell” She LOVED the beach! In her earlier years, you would find her there soaking up the sun just about every weekend. 

She was a bartender for over 30 years and was proud of it. She made a lot of friends and always made people feel comfortable when talking to her and boy, she could be a talker! 

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her loving daughter, Kristina Maier of Maple Hill, NC, and Melissa Wellman (Anthony) of Tampa, FL; mother, Evelyn "Evie" Stevens of Mill Creek, NC; sister, Denise Rhodes, (Bill) of Evansville, IN; brother, Michael Mellen of Newport, NC; and granddaughter, Jasmine Murrell of Tampa, FL.

Michele was preceded in death by her father, Robert Grant Mellen; and sisters, Donna Carty and Karen Whealton.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Carteret County Humane Society, 853 Hibbs Rd., Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.