Alma Ana Maciulis

On April 14, 2025 our beloved mother and Nana left this earthly world after defying the doctors’ odds and courageously fought for 30 more years with complex medical issues. She was our family’s foundation, our rock, never waivering from what she believed. She loved unconditionally and never failed to let her family and friends know how important they were to her.

Alma Ana Maciulis was born 9/7/1951 in Chicago, IL to Ivan and Stase Kurshus. She had two sisters, Aida and Asta. Enduring a difficult childhood due to the early loss of her mother and separation from her sisters, she went on to do amazing things. She obtained her Master’s degree at Utah State University and began her journey as a Molecular Genetisist. She authored several papers to include how specific cells were linked to autism spectrum disorder and preventing transmission of scrapie by embryo transfers. She was a pillar in the research community.

She married her first husband, Bruno Kromelis, and had two daughters, Laura and Irene. They later divorced. While at a grocery store, Alma ran into an old love from her past and their relationship was rekindled. Algirdas (Al) Maciulis swept her, and her two daughters, off their feet and the rest is history, as they say. They did end up divorcing later in life.

Alma lived for her family, especially her grandchildren. She remained involved in all their lives, being their number one supporter. She was beyond proud of each and every one of them. For the past 12 years, she has been devoted in helping raise her granddaughter, Adelynn. They had an impenetrable bond. Irene and Addy were her loyal and faithful caregivers during the last few years of her life, allowing her to remain at home. A special thank you to Hannah for devoting her time, love, and support to Nana during the last days of her life.

As our family grew, her biggest goal was to see her grandchildren marry and meet her future great grandchildren. She met that goal when Tyler and Hannah Nyberg married. She was even more ecstatic when her three great grandbabies were born; Hunter, Colter, and Adam. But she wasn’t done there. She was able to see her granddaughter, Savannah, get married to Trevor Malloy the summer of 2024 in Montana. Her middle grandson, Austin, was never far away from her thoughts and prayers. She was so proud of both her grandsons who served in the military, Tyler in the Marine Corp and Austin in the Navy.

Alma is survived by her daughters Laura Nyberg (Bill) of Kalispell, MT and Irene Maciulis of Richmond, UT; grandchildren Tyler (Hannah) of Kalispell, MT, Austin of Kalispell, MT), Savannah (Trevor) of Kalispell, MT, and Adelynn of Richmond, UT; and great grandchildren Hunter, Colter, and Adam. A special thank you to Lisa, Heather and James who never gave up and were always there to help when needed. There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude.

Family is opting not to hold a funeral service or celebration of life at this time. Our Nana loved the outdoors and fishing and with most of her family living in Montana, we are considering a celebration of life doing what she loved most, spending time with family in the outdoors. 

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