Maija Astrid Vanags86, of Carmel passed away October 12, 2017. She was born on February 18, 1931, in Cesis, Latvia, the daughter of Edward and Olga (Rullits) Gulbis. Maija came to the United States in 1951, where she met Gunnar Karl Vanags and they married in 1952.  She worked full-time while attending Indiana University.  She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree, and began a long, successful career as a lab chemist.  She enjoyed gardening and traveling to and competing in orchid shows across the mid-west.She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Gunnar Vanags; three sons, Eric (Chris) Vanags, Ingar (Lisa) Vanags, Einar (Michele) Vanags; and five grandchildren, Joel, Paige, Audrey, Hans, and Jade. She was preceded in passing by a brother, Talis Gulbis.Services will be 12 noon Monday, October 16, 2017, at Flanner and Buchanan - Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Latvian Welfare Association - Daugavas Vanagi.