Maurine Edna Haltiner, longtime educator, poet, author and musician, passed peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 86.
Maurine was born on January 16, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Otto Walter Haltiner and Alma Ellis Haltiner. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1962 and a master’s degree in 1970 from the University of Utah, studying English, Music and Linguistics.
Education was an important part of Maurine’s life. She taught English for 33 years in the Salt Lake City School District, including at West High School and Highland High School, where her classes ranged from ninth-grade English to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. Maurine expected her students to work hard and take responsibility for their work. Years later, former students remembered that what she taught them went beyond literature. They recalled lessons about meeting commitments, keeping deadlines, and living with integrity – lessons they carried with them into college and adult life. Maurine also encouraged the individual talents of her students; one former student, who went on to become an accomplished artist, remembered Maurine as an early mentor and as the person who purchased the first painting she ever sold.
Maurine’s own love of language continued through her writing. She was an accomplished poet and author and was named Utah State Poetry Society Poet of the Year in 2004. Over the years, her poetry received numerous state and national awards, and she continued to receive recognition for her work well into her later years. She published the poetry collections “A Season and a Time,” “Every Angle of Moonshine,” “Not So Far Afield,” as well as the young-adult novel Truth Windows. Maurine was also active in the poetry community, serving as an editor, leading workshops, judging competitions, and encouraging other writers.
Music was another very important part of her life. She sang for 24 years in Messiah Chorus performances at the Salt Lake Tabernacle and played violin with the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra for more than 50 years. The first chair in the second violin section was named for her and will be known as the Maurine Haltiner chair.
Maurine shared her home with her longtime friend Kaye Murdock. They shared many years of everyday life together and enjoyed vacations and outings, including trips to her Skyline property, Carmel California and many others. Maurine and Kaye also shared an interest in supporting causes that were important to them. Over the years they contributed to organizations connected with animals, conservation, education and the arts. Maurine especially loved animals and supported efforts devoted to their care and protection.
Maurine was loved by many and influenced so many lives. She had many qualities, one of which included her ability to make friends easily and how kind she was to all. She loved spending time with family and friends. She loved corn on the cob, fresh veggies, nature, playing games/cards and playing her violin. She was a “little” bit sassy, but always sweet. She was very compassionate to everyone, people and animals alike.
Maurine was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Alma Haltiner and many beloved pets.
She is survived by her longtime friend Kaye Murdock; her brother, Raymond Haltiner; and her four nieces, Kristina Lawrence, Genevieve Wallace, Nicole McLaughlin, and Celeste Shelton and many grand nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Located at Larkin Mortuary Downtown, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.
In lieu of flowers, Maurine was a big advocate of wildlife conservation, so a donation to any local wildlife preservation organization would be appreciated in her honor.
Watch services here: https://youtube.com/live/xqqB9wtMpnM?feature=share