Obituary for Joan Maisey

Joan Olsen Maisey passed away peacefully at her home on May 12, 2026, in Meridian, Idaho, from natural causes at the age of 96. She was born in Weston, Idaho, to Thomas Demont Olsen and Hildred Day Olsen on April 26, 1930. She was the second oldest child of six siblings.

Joan grew up in the small town of Weston on a farm and spent many days hoeing sugar beets along with her brother and sisters. She often shared memories of long, hot days in the sun doing this chore that she disliked very much. Her dad paid her a dime per row. Even though this was hard for her, she learned valuable lessons, such as the value of hard work and resiliency. This was something that she never forgot, even right up to the end of her life. She also worked in a local store scooping ice cream for customers. She received all of her schooling in the Weston schools, elementary through high school. In high school she played the drums in the marching band.

Joan met her husband, Don Maisey, on a blind date, and they were married a year and a half later on June 30, 1948, in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple. They lived in Ogden, Utah; Boise; Payette; and Gooding until 1974. The family then moved to Meridian, where she has resided for the last 52 years. They lived happily ever after for 47 years until Don passed away in 1995. They had six children, five boys and one girl.

Joan enjoyed family outings with her husband and children. When fish were caught, she happily cooked them but wouldn't clean them. She was accomplished in embroidery, crocheting, and sewing, with several of her pieces winning prizes in the local fair. She enjoyed cooking for her family, and nobody ever went away hungry.

As a young married woman, she worked for Newberry's Department Store in Boise. She gained many friends there and continued to stay in touch with a few of them over the years. In her later years, she worked for the Meridian School District in food service.

Joan was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings during her life, including Relief Society counselor, Primary President, and Young Women's counselor. She was a faithful visiting teacher and enjoyed the friendships she made throughout her life. She attended the temple often and served faithfully in the Boise Temple as a nursery leader. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and enjoyed her association with the other members.

Joan was very close with her sisters, and for many years they would get together for what they called their "Christmas in July" celebration, which became a tradition. They often traveled to different places, bonding and enjoying each other's company while exchanging special gifts. They loved to sing together and would harmonize beautifully.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings LaRae Olsen, Djon Talbot, Dennis Olsen, and MaryAnn Manion. She is survived by her sister Lynn Morse and her children. Stephen (Linda) Maisey, Dennis (Diana) Maisey, Susan (Leroy) Lloyd, Blake (Alice) Maisey, Wade Maisey, Brian (Sherril) Maisey, 28 grandchildren, and 55 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Edna Allphin and Kathleen Herman as well as the rest of the staff at Bluebird Hospice.

A viewing will be held on Monday, May 18th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Zeyers Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd. in Nampa. A funeral will be held the following day, May 19th, at the LDS church building, 2555 S. Stoddard Rd. in Meridian, with a viewing from 11:00 to 11:45 am and the service at 12:00 pm. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of ZeyerFuneralChapel.com.