Name: Wake for Sister Maureen Joseph Kirwan
Start: 2023-02-02T14:30:00.000Z
End: 2023-02-02T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Holy Family Chapel

Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth Sister Maureen Joseph Kirwan, 87, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at McAuley Hall Health Center, Watchung, NJ. Sister Maureen Joseph was born in Staten Island, New York, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Corbliss) Kirwan. She entered the Sisters of Charity on September 6, 1954, and was a member for 68 years. Sister Maureen Joseph graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana with a MBA degree in Economics. Sister Maureen Joseph was an Educator in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. She served as a teacher at St. John Commercial High School, New Haven, CT; and Immaculate Conception High School, Montclair, NJ. She also was an Assistant Treasurer at the College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ and a teacher at Saint Joseph & Saint Anthony School, in Pensacola. She transitioned into the role of Finance Director & Pastoral Associate while doing Community Outreach and Immigration work at Saint Joseph & Saint Anthony School & Parish, Pensacola, FL. She worked with Catholic Social Services, in Pensacola. Sister Maureen had a heart and love that embraced all, and especially those in need. She was considered by some as a "little powerhouse" of generosity and warmth. Through her ministry, she was able to be a voice for the voiceless. She had a gift of joy and laughter that brought life wherever she went. Her presence and ministry in Pensacola gave witness to "boundless charity," a life she lived for 68 years as a Sister of Charity. Sister Maureen was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mary and her twelve brothers and sisters. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity and her cousins, nieces and nephews, great and great great -nieces and nephews. The wake for Sister Maureen Joseph Kirwan will be held in Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, NJ from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Masks are required. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, Convent Station immediately following the Mass. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, Lake Hiawatha, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sister Maureen Joseph's memory to the Sisters of Charity Development Fund, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, 07961-0476 would be appreciated. S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service 60 North Beverwyck Rd. Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 973-335-4700

Published by The Star-Ledger from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2023.

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Memories and Condolences
for Maureen Kirwan

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2 Entries

This is a sad announcement for me. I graduated from ICHS in 1963, which I think was Sr. Maureen's final year at ICHS. I maintained contact with her until about 10-12 years ago. She retired from her missionary work in Pensacola, FL and we lost track of one another. She was a powerhouse in a small package, I'm not sure she was much more than 5'0" tall but she never stopped. I visited her twice in Florida in the 1980's when I was traveling regularly there for work. She was always funny and had an Irish twinkle in her unique sky-blue eyes. When I think of ICHS she's the first person that comes to mind.

One day, of many, when she was trying to discipline me, she was going on about my bad behavior. Before she got a chance to finish she burst into a really hard laugh, looked up at me, and said "Oh, just behave yourself, will ya?

On one of her infrequent visits north from Pensacola, she invited me to her parent's home in Jersey City. I met her brother Joe and some of her other siblings, they reminded me so much of my own family. And I think, but I'm not 100% sure. she came to our house in Belleville once.

She was one of those characters in life that you don't forget, no matter the time between visits, phone calls, or letters. I pray, no, I know, she rests today in the presence of the Lord she dedicated her life to. Until we meet again, my friend.
Tom Hollar ICHS '63

Tom Hollar

Friend

February 10, 2023

As a very small child, I remember asking my mom about the beautiful statue which took center stage on her bedroom dresser. She told me it was the Infant of Prague, given to her by Uncle Jack´s niece, Reenie, before she entered the Convent. My mother, Marion Hutchinson, (née Cone) was the youngest sister of Mildred, who was married to Jack Corbliss. Seeing the name Kirwan in Sister Maureen Joseph´s obituary, I recalled all the lovely stories I heard about the Kirwan Family through the years; the parties, singing and dancing with Bessie and Flash (both of whom I had the pleasure of meeting). Reenie, having dedicated her life serving our Lord, is undoubtedly smiling happily in the palm of His hand. Condolences to all on the loss of this beautiful soul. Yes, the Infant of Prague now takes center stage on my dresser, and I think of Reenie often.
God bless,
Deborah Hutchinson
Woodbridge, NJ

Deborah Hutchinson

Family

February 3, 2023

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