Shrewsbury – Maureen A. Donoghue, 88, of Shrewsbury, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Maureen was predeceased by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 64 years, Robert J. Donoghue. She leaves her children: Kathy Donoghue, of Worcester, Mike Donoghue and wife Cece, of Darien, CT, Beth White and husband Greg, of Boylston, Patty Durkin, of Worcester, Sue Donoghue and husband Dmitri Nayduch, of Brooklyn, NY; ten grandchildren: Chris White and wife Sunny, Jackie White Hughto and husband Bill, Mac Donoghue and wife Regan, Sean Donoghue and wife Marissa, Mara Donoghue and fiancé Andrew Hatton, Liam Donoghue, Maeve Donoghue, Seamus Nayduch, Ivan Nayduch, and Bridget Nayduch; two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Jack White; her sister-in-law, Pat Clifford and husband Ray; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Kenny Durkin.
Maureen was born in Worcester, MA and spent her entire life in Shrewsbury. She was the daughter of the late Bernard “Bernie” and Mary (Gilhooly) McConville. She graduated from Ascension High School in 1953, and then graduated from St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford, CT, achieving her B.S. in Nursing and, subsequently, a Master’s in Chemistry, also at St. Joseph’s. While at St. Joseph’s, Maureen was known as “to bed at three up at five” and a tireless talker (as well as a great listener). She was also called “Madame President many times over,” for her role as President of the National Student Nurses Association.
Maureen devoted her entire professional career to nursing and helping others in need. She began her nursing career at Mass General Hospital in Boston, in the Med/Surg unit, and went on to work at Hahnemann and Memorial Hospitals in Worcester, all while raising five children. She eventually rose to become the Director of Clinical Nursing Education at Hahnemann Hospital, where she trained and mentored a generation of aspiring student nurses in the Worcester area. Throughout the years, she was consistently recognized by former students in hospitals and in the community, who remembered her as a role model for her compassion and dedication to her work and patients. Later in life, she worked as a hospice nurse, continuing her focus on caregiving and support for those in need.
Maureen was a lifelong and faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in Shrewsbury, where she was a Eucharistic Minister for many years.
As a devoted mother to her special needs daughter, Kathy, she was a trailblazer in advocating for individuals with special needs, having worked at the Glavin Regional Center, and for many years, was President of FOR, an advocacy organization for individuals with developmental disabilities.
She was actively involved in Mercy Centre, the Special Olympics, Seven Hills, and HMEA – the organizations that support the special needs community of Worcester and beyond. Maureen worked tirelessly to ensure that Kathy and others like her would be able to pursue a full and productive life. Maureen’s vigorous support of Kathy’s health, well-being and training, including endless hours counting laps while swimming, led to Kathy’s significant achievements and numerous gold medals at Special Olympics events over 50 years.
Through all of Maureen’s accomplishments, her true passion and commitment was always her family. The home that she and Bob built in Sunapee, NH became a focal point in many happy and memorable gatherings, where family and friends alike were enthusiastically welcomed. Maureen will always be remembered for her selflessness, humility, strong faith, and unconditional love.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Donoghue family from 4 – 7 PM on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to two of Maureen’s favorite organizations assisting individuals with special needs – www.HMEA.org and Thrive Support and Advocacy (www.ICanThrive.Org).