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Maureen Elizabeth Minkin

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Published in June 2024

On June 14, 2024, Maureen Minkin found eternal peace at the age of 71 after a heroic six-year fight with ALS. She spent her final months in Hingham, where her family planted roots in the early 1950’s. She was the fourth of eight children lovingly raised there by Donald and Barbara “Grammy” Shea. Though Maureen moved away for college, built a career, raised her own family, and lived elsewhere for nearly 50 years, she considered Hingham her hometown.

Maureen was kind, friendly, outgoing and joyful. Among many things, she loved a good time, dancing, dogs, Christmas and family. Growing up, she played sports, was the cheerleader captain, head camp counselor, and helped care for her younger siblings. So, it was only fitting that after college she began a career as a social worker. She gravitated toward helping the elderly and worked at nursing homes for over thirty years.

It was at one of these nursing homes where she met her husband Michael. He was Jewish, divorced, and had a young son. She was from an Irish Catholic family and had never had a bagel. Yet, they found true love. They eloped and got married at the city hall in Newton – a marriage that would last forty four years. They adored each other. They traveled around New England on their boat, shared hobbies like antiquing and gardening, helped raise Michael’s son Seth, and had their own son Ivan. Maureen and Michael moved away to Florida and lived in their Boca Raton home for twenty five years.

Ivan and his amazing wife Brittney had triplet boys. And, Maureen herself became “Grammy” and she absolutely cherished her three grandchildren. When the boys were three, Maureen’s husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Traveling got tougher, and Maureen became his caregiver. And shortly thereafter, Maureen was diagnosed with ALS. By the time the boys were six, Maureen could no longer talk. But, she could still smile and laugh. She stayed positive and compassionate.

She remained Michael’s caregiver until their move back north. And by the time Michael passed away, she could no longer walk. In the throes of this cruel disease, some positivity may have faded, but her selflessness never did. Even in her last month, as hospice got involved and spiritual discussions intensified, when asked what was important to her – as physically limited as she was – she wanted to know how she could help others.

She leaves behind many that have been graced by her special presence. And while it’s sad that life won’t be the same without her in it, it’s nice to think that if there is a heaven, Maureen is certainly there, likely enjoying some much needed quality time with Michael, talking, laughing, and dancing to her favorite songs.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, Ma, on June 19th at 10:45 AM. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Maureen to Compassionate Care ALS at www.ccals.org/donate – an amazing group of people.