Maureen Alice Hvegholm roared into the world on July 27, 1938, born to Hammond “Bill” Hartley, a career Navy man, and Doris Hartley, a homemaker, in Everett, Washington. 

A fearless, blonde-haired, green-eyed pistol of a child, Maureen spent her earliest days exploring her favorite playgrounds - her beloved grandparents Phil and Amy Lalone’s farm in Washington and the backwoods of Jacksonville, Florida. She would disappear for hours, talking to animals and wandering freely. If one could claim a magic power, Maureen’s was her ability to connect with animals - a gift she carried throughout her life and instilled in each of her children. She found extraordinary joy in showing kindness to every furry creature God placed in her path.

Maureen’s childhood was shaped by life on military bases, where she said the happiest memories of her youth were made. Surrounded by a tight-knit community of service members and families, she felt safe, supported, and free. Her father’s military service instilled in her a deep and lasting patriotism. Following his retirement as a Chief Petty Officer, the family transitioned into civilian life.

In the 1950s, Maureen found herself in Los Angeles, California - then a vibrant and exciting place bustling with opportunity. She worked as an airline ticketing agent and, for a brief moment, caught the attention of Hollywood. Though invited to screen test, Maureen chose a different path. She married Peder Hvegholm, and together they built a life in a modest post-WWII war home on tree-lined streets. There, they raised their four children: Marc, Bryan, Gayla, and Perry.

Maureen was the heart and rock of her family - strong, loving, kind, and full of life, with what seemed like a supernatural ability to weather any storm. At just 32 years old, she embarked on a new journey as a single mother of four young children. She learned to drive, returned to the workforce, and held her little family together through sheer determination and grit. Life was not easy and entering the workforce in early 1970's, was especially challenging for a woman of her striking presence. Yet Maureen earned respect through her intelligence, work ethic, and resilience, building a career in demanding environments including legal and engineering fields while providing for her children.

In 1983, Maureen came to Reno, Nevada to be closer to her aging parents. In 2005, she settled in Sparks, Nevada, where she would spend the remainder of her life devoted to caring for others - especially those without a voice. She fed feral cats, rescued abandoned dogs, and quietly helped those in need, offering warmth, food, or a jacket to anyone in need she encountered.

In December 2022, Maureen was assaulted in the alley behind her home while feeding the animals she loved. The incident changed her life and deeply impacted her family, shocking the community and drawing international attention, due to the heinous nature of the crime and who did it - a Sparks Fireman Paramedic. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and developed serious health complications, which would ultimately cut her life short. Maureen was tough as nails and she stood up against the bureaucracy that betrayed her.  Maureen never recovered from the attack. Yet even in the face of profound hardship, she responded with grace, love, and unwavering strength. Maureen never received an apology from the person and system that betrayed her. Yet, she never lost her compassion, continuing to care for the animals she cherished until the final week of her life - despite enduring significant pain from cancer.

Maureen Alice Hvegholm, at 87 years old, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, surrounded by her devoted and loving family as the music of her favorite artists Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley quietly played. In her final hours, she was cared for by an extraordinary team of compassionate doctors and nurses at Renown Medical Center, for whom her family is deeply grateful.

Maureen was, to her core, a fiery, green-eyed spirit - resilient, feisty, compassionate, and unwavering in her convictions. Her family honors her not only for the challenges she endured, but for the way she lived: with courage, kindness, and an unshakable commitment in all things.

Maureen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bill and Doris. She is survived by her children: Marc Hvegholm (Kelly) of Sparks, Nevada; Bryan Hvegholm (Erin) of Lancaster, California; Gayla Hvegholm Ouellette (Loren) of Reno, Nevada; and Perry Hvegholm (Janel) of Sparks, Nevada; along with eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a sixth soon to arrive.

Her family asks that she be remembered not for the tragedy she endured in a Sparks, NV alley, but for the fierce spirit with which she lived her life. In her honor, they encourage others to rise up - champion the underdog, serve your community, be a role model for your children, fight for justice, live with purpose and compassion, and please, feed a hungry animal if one crosses your path (you'll find a number of Maureen's feral community in the alley behind Sparks Fire Station No. 1). In a world of Egan's, be a Maureen. 

A service will be private. In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Maureen by making a donation to the Humane Society of Nevada. https://nevadahumanesociety.o…

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