Maureen Lu Saari Wildman

Maureen Lu Saari Wildman passed away on January 14th, 2023, after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family. Maureen was born in Plattsburgh, New York on June 7th, 1949, the third of five children born to Dyce Saari and Lula Wood Saari. In 1970, she graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in psychology. She was a celebrated Montessori teacher in Nashville for 30 years, retiring in 2022. Having had a monumental impact on her students, she was beloved by teachers and families alike. Long-time Brentwood resident, living with the love of her life - husband of 40 years, Rue Kent Wildman, and daughter, Dycee.

Maureen, called "Moe" by many close to her, loved teaching, painting, writing, reading, art galleries, parties, tequila, visiting the beaches of Florida and San Juan, dancing in the kitchen, and embracing new adventures, which led her to appearing in the 2018 feature film, The Dead Center, as Ms. Lewis.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Duane Saari (Nancy of St. Petersburg, FL); sister, Denise Carpenter and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Carpenter (of Rome, NY).

She is survived by her husband; daughter (son-in-law Eric Bierschenk); sister, Sheila Saari Verner (Gerry of Halfmoon, NY); and her brother, Marc Saari (Tempe, AZ); as well as her 2 step-daughters, Jeannie Wildman (Los Angeles, CA) and Jackie Hooks (Corey) and their children, Jake, Jude, Grace, and Josh (in Buda, TX); as well as nieces, Rene Cowles, Faith Wohlrab, Vanessa Saari, Melissa Quinn and Amy Wildman; nephews, Trevor Johansen, Eric Saari, Jason Saari, Dan Carpenter, Darren Carpenter, Michael Wildman; and countless cousins who were dear to her.

A celebration of her life will be held in the spring. Arrangements to be announced.