December 11, 1925—March 3, 2013
Maurice was a life-long resident of Seattle. After graduating from Garfield High School in 1944 he enlisted in the army, where he served in Japan and Korea until 1947. Upon his return, he completed his undergraduate studies and law school at the University of Washington, and then married the love of his life, Muriel Marsh. Maurice began his legal career with the Washington State Attorney General’s office, followed by the King County Prosecutor’s Office, then transitioned to private practice with respected friend and partner John Hay. In 1978 he became court commissioner for King County, where he served on the bench until retiring in 1995. Throughout his career, Maurice showed all who knew him the importance of always doing what you love.
Maurice (Moe) was the youngest of seven and was preceded in death by his parents, Sophie and Samuel Epstein, his sister, Minnie, and brothers Arthur, Irving, Herbert, Leonard, and Sollie. Moe leaves behind Muriel, his wife of 56 years; his two sisters-in-law Irene and Libby; his children, Rob (Betsy), Esa (Brian) and his grandchildren Forrest, Maya, Ella and Isaac; nine nephews, Burt (Mozelle), Larry (Jean), Larry (Rosie), Ronnie (Olga), Steve (Charlene), Eugene (Linnea), David (Lorena), Jeff (Kelly), and Jeremy; four nieces, Sandy, Frances, Deborah and Rebecca (Rick); many great-nieces, great-nephews and devoted friends.
Growing up with his family in Seattle’s largely Jewish neighborhood (now the Central District), Moe became a Bar Mitzvah at Herzl Conservative Congregation on 20th and Spruce, where his family were longtime members. In 1957 he and Muriel, of Pendleton, Oregon, were married at Herzl by Rabbi Joseph Wagner. After moving to the Eastside, they became members of Congregation Ner Tamid in Lake Hills, Bellevue, and were part of its original congregation. When the two synagogues joined in 1970, Moe sat on the committee overseeing the merger and subsequent creation of Congregation Herzl-Ner Tamid on Mercer Island. Moe served on the HNT board during the 1970s. He and Muriel’s son and daughter became B’nai Mitzvah at Herzl in the 1980s.
Maurice Epstein lived his life to the fullest. He always had a kind word for everyone and will be remembered for his humor, his caring, and his love. He will be missed very much.
Services were held March 6, 2013 at Herzl Memorial Park, 16500 Dayton Ave. N., Seattle. Please make any donations to Jewish Family Service.
Maurice M. Epstein
