FRANKLIN – Maureen passed away Aug. 22, 2021, in Franklin, North Carolina, surrounded by family members. She was 87 years old. She was born on June 24, 1934, in New York to Thomas and Mildred Kearns.
Maureen was an independent woman who lived in her own apartment by the age 14 while going to catholic girls school. She has been both impoverished and affluent multiple times in her life.
Known at one time as the Lord’s Battleaxe, Maureen led in a world not quite accustomed to women’s leadership. She led in business running multiple businesses over the years including as a real estate broker of her own real estate firm to running condo/hotels in Cape Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She also led and served in her church and community serving as Scout Committee Chairman, Relief Society President, Senior Missionary, and Institute Teacher to name a few.
Maureen loved to travel visiting many states and countries in Central America, Europe, Middle East, Caribbean, and around the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally she visited Russia, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada. She obtained travel agent’s and pilot’s licenses to help facilitate her travels. Whether by RV, plane, or car she traveled as much as time and circumstances allowed.
Maureen had a way about her. People were often taking time to help her when she was both young and old. She opened her heart to people so they felt as if they belonged. “That space was warm and welcoming and felt like home, but it was not confining. You didn’t have to fit in a predefined box. This doesn’t mean she’d always agree with you. Sometimes our opinions differed and our relationship felt stronger for it. Nothing that could not be remedied with chocolate, which she always kept near.” (Trish Mashburn)
Maureen was a mentor and inspiration to many for her boundless energy and determination. “I first met her as a childhood teacher of mine and now when I teach I’m always wondering how I can impact others like she first impacted me. She was so much fun throughout all stages of her life and it was contagious. I still have postcards she would send from different travels just to say hello. She always went above and beyond.” (Rachel Winegar)
“My Oma, Maureen was the grandest of grandmothers, one of my closest confidants and dearest friends. I idolized her in life. Forgive me for doing so even more so after her death. How could something, someone be so fierce and so gentle? So strong and so tender? Regardless of who she was to you, she was a force to be reckoned with.” (Trish Mashburn) “She always lived her life on her own terms and I loved that about her.” (Jeanie Ashby)
She is survived by Debbie Hamilton, “KC” Williams, Douglas Williams, and Paul Thatcher, 15 grandchildren and a small army of great-grandchildren. Her daughter Sharon and son Zackary “Scott” preceded her.
A funeral service was held Sept. 11, 2021, at 10 a.m. at 1801 S. Fiske Blvd, Rockledge, Florida. Followed by an internment at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US-1, Rockledge, Florida.
A memorial service will be held Sept. 26, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 33 Pine Ridge Dr, Franklin, NC 28734.