Cover photo for Maurine Claire (Gummels)  Goehring's Obituary
1935 Maurine 2021

Maurine Claire (Gummels) Goehring

October 18, 1935 — August 26, 2021

Maurine Claire Goehring, age 85, made the transition from this life to the next on August 26, 2021. After battling health issues for several years, she suffered a sudden heart-related event. That event took her earthly life as Jesus took her hand and walked her home.

Maurine is survived by her son, Marty Goehring and his wife Cheryl, whom she loved like the daughter she never had; two cherished granddaughters, who lit up her life with joy, Kelly Jones and Katie Kelly; treasured grandsons-by-marriage, Stuart Jones and Patrick Kelly; five dearly loved great-grandchildren (Zach, Hailey, Lindsay, Jacob, and Zoe Jones); and her eagerly anticipated great-granddaughter, Katie and Patrick's baby girl, due to arrive in late December. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Burnstan, nephews, Rowland ("Bernie") and Richard Burnstan, and niece, Lynn Wargo. Maurine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Goehring, in 2003.

Maurine was born October 18, 1935, in St. Louis, MO, to Belmont and Henrietta Gummels. She grew up in Webster Groves, MO, where she enjoyed romping in the woods near her childhood home. She was an avid swimmer and diver through high school, delighting in summer days of lifeguarding at a local country club. After hearing enticing things about New Mexico from a great aunt, she embarked on an adventure to attend the University of New Mexico (UNM) in 1953.

At UNM, she fell in love with a dashing basketball player and Marine-to-be, John ("Jack") Mulcahy, the father of her son, Marty. They married in early 1955 and created some happy memories before the marriage ended in 1965. Maurine married Robert Goehring in March 1966, not long after "love at first sight." During their 37 years of marriage, she and "Bob" shared loves for the beach, the ocean and world traveling. Their 18 years together in a ranch-style house on three acres near Encinitas, CA, were the happiest years of her life. They enjoyed horseback riding, trips to the beach, and sitting outside, marveling at the beauty of the setting sun during long conversations.

Maurine's vocational life reflected a love for all things medical. After working in hospital laboratories for 8 years, she returned to school at age 41 to get her nursing degree. She earned a BS in Nursing from UNM in 1981. She also completed an MS in Nursing from California State University, Dominguez Hills, in 1991. From 1981 to 2000, she worked at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, CA. For 16 of those years, she was the director of their trauma program. In 1995, Maurine co-designed and co-taught (for 10 years) a course which provided training for trauma coordinators across the country. The biggest thrill of her professional life was serving as the first female, first non-physician President of the American Trauma Society from 1998 to 2000. Of her nursing career, she said, "I never got up one day that I wasn't excited to go to work."

Maurine will be lovingly remembered as a gentle, compassionate, sensitive, generous, playful, highly intelligent, determined, competent woman. Her beautiful, warm, inviting smile gave away her caring heart and her easy readiness to laugh at the next funny thing. She deeply loved and was extremely devoted to her family, her friends, her church, and Jesus Christ. A trusting, prayerful relationship with God was the wellspring of Maurine's life. She loved participating in church life and she valued the sacred friendships she was privileged to have over 28 years at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Her life is an inspiring example of love against all odds-the love of God triumphing over the adversities of life.

Maurine's family would like to thank the staff of Casa de la Reina, including Brianna Greene and Patty Sanchez, for the sacrifice of loving care they provided for Maurine during the last year of her life.

A memorial service celebrating Maurine's life will be held at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 9, at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Formation Counseling Services, a ministry that Maurine generously supported for 27 years, would be a meaningful way to honor her life (8600 Academy Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87111)

To send flowers to the family in memory of Maurine Claire (Gummels) Goehring, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Starts at 2:00 pm (Mountain time)

Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church

8600 Academy Road Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87111

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