Maureen C McGuire

Maureen C. (Mitchell) McGuire, 77, of Rhinebeck, NY and a former long-time resident of East Taghkanic, NY, died on October 26, 2017, at the Glen Hill Center in Danbury, CT.  

Maureen was born December 31, 1939, in Yonkers, NY, to John and Maureen (McHugh) Mitchell. She was a 1957 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, NY. She worked as a secretary in Advertising and Marketing for the General Foods Corporation in White Plains, NY from 1957 to 1965.  In 1962 she married the love of her life, James V. McGuire and soon after became a full-time mother.   A son, James Joseph arrived in 1964, and another son, Michael in 1965.

In 1966 the growing family moved from Yonkers, NY to Yorktown Heights, NY.  A daughter, Christianne arrived in 1967, and a son John Mitchell arrived in 1969.  On the move again in 1972, the family settled in East Taghkanic, NY.  A son, Patrick arrived in 1973.

Maureen began working again in 1974 as a receptionist for the Adventist Nursing Home of Livingston, NY.  She also ran for public office as a “working mother” and was elected to the position of Tax Collector for the Town of Taghkanic in November of 1975.  A lifelong Democrat, mom held this position for many years

Maureen continued to be a working mother and took a position as an Administrative Assistant with The Baptist Home in Rhinebeck, NY.  Mom remained there for 30 years until her retirement in 2005.   

Maureen was an active parishioner of The Church of the Holy Cross in West Taghkanic, NY. Mom also volunteered her time at a number of local organizations to support the less fortunate.  She passed these interests on to her children, stressing the importance of giving, being a good person, and being thankful.  

Maureen enjoyed reading, long walks, a good sunburn, afternoon naps, red bandana hats, floral house coats, chocolate, Irish Music, Jeopardy, the sea shore, and spending time with her family.  Her smile would light up the room and her laugh was distinctive and infectious. In addition, Maureen was a hoarder of candles, throw rugs, candy on sale, and salad dressing from the 1970’s. Mom was also an animal lover.  While in East Taghkanic, we had 1 pony, 3 horses, 8 dogs and 2 cats over the years. Maureen was a unique character and an American original.  She will be dearly missed by her loving family and all who knew her.

Maureen is survived by her children: James J. and wife Cathy of Garden City, NY, Michael and wife Regina of Concord, NH, Christianne and wife Christine of New Fairfield, CT, John M. and wife Leslie of Ridgefield, CT, and Patrick and wife Marcy of Turin, NY; 13 grandchildren: Darcy, Madeline, Julia and Claire of Garden City, NY;  Seamus, Connor, Brendan and Liam of Concord, NH;  Elizabeth, Lauren and Aidan of Turin, NY;  Jack and Abigail of Ridgefield, CT; and her three brothers and two sisters: John Mitchell, James Mitchell and Patrick Mitchell, all of Yonkers, NY;  Anne Lynch of Poughkeepsie, NY, and Eileen O’Connell of Yonkers, NY. Maureen was preceded in death by her loving husband, James V., her father, John F. and her mother, Maureen.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, November 1 from 5-8 pm, at Peck & Peck Funeral Home in Copake, NY.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, November 2 at 10 am at Our Lady of Hope in Copake, NY. Interment will follow the service at St. Bridget's  Cemetery.    

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