Maureen P Ollen

Maureen Philomena Ollen (nee O’Grady), 96, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday,
March 23, 2025, surrounded in comfort by loved ones. Born in the Bronx, NY to Daniel and
Marianne O’Grady, Maureen’s childhood was enriched by her tight-knit family. Maureen was
especially close with her beloved aunts, Marianne’s sisters, and her cousin, Mary Brinn, who
was like a little sister. Her maternal Aunt Joan brought Maureen ‘back home’ for a visit to
Ireland with her, which turned into a 3 year-stay. She loved Ireland and being with her
grandmother.

Maureen attended High School at St Jean’s de Baptiste in Manhattan, and then Hunter College,
where she obtained a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Teaching. Maureen worked as an
elementary school teacher in Spanish Harlem. Many of Maureen’s co workers attempted to set
her up with eligible bachelors, but Maureen created fictitious boyfriends to avoid going on
dates. She eventually agreed to a blind date to attend a Plumbers Ball, and that date, with Tom
Ollen, blossomed into a beautiful life together. Maureen and Tom started their marriage and
family, and made their home in various communities in Nassau and Queens County, before
settling in Bayside, Queens. In recent years, Maureen and her son, Peter, crossed the Hudson to
make their new home Cranford, NJ. Living with her son Tom and his family, Maureen enjoyed
the hustle and bustle of the household, and was curious about everyone's lives, including their
comings and goings. Maureen always left room for dessert after every meal!

Maureen loved to read, watch English mysteries, listen to music and chat with her countless
loyal friends and family. Maureen loved to go to tag sales with her friends and relatives, and
there was no mirror or lamp that she could pass without purchasing. Maureen had a love of
laughter and a terrific sense of humor, never taking herself too seriously.
One of Maureen’s greatest attributes was her ability to listen to the many that opened up to
her. Maureen offered counsel, wise words and most importantly an empathetic,
non-judgmental ear. She became a calm in the storm to many friends and family. Anything that
needed greater concern than she could muster got added to “the bell”: a Buddhist bell which
was a gift given to her by her son, James, which Maureen used as her aid in prayer.

Maureen is predeceased by her husband, Tom, daughter Mary Florence, and brothers Pat, Mike,
and Dan-Dan. Maureen is survived by her 5 sons, James (Linh), Daniel (Susan), Thomas
(Kathleen), Matthew (Anne) and Peter; 10 grandchildren, Jenny, Tommy, Maggie, Jack, Christine,
Dan, Jim, Grace, Matt, and Caroline; & 2 great grandchildren, Faye and Bunty. Maureen is also
survived by her sister-in-law, Maureen, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Even
with the early loss of her only daughter, Maureen extended her kindness, guidance and humor
as a mother figure to those who were lucky enough to walk life’s path beside her. Though no
one would ever take the place of her Mary Florence, she was blessed with many “daughters”
just the same. They, in turn, were blessed immeasurably. Her generosity of spirit will be sorely
missed.

Maureen’s family will be forever in debt to the wonderful caregivers, Kathy, Catalina and Del,
who lovingly cared for her. Special thanks to Kathy for all the games, exercise and dance parties,
and spa days, where she treated Maureen like the very special lady that she was. Maureen’s
family would also like to express deep gratitude for the wonderful care she received from her
Center for Hope and Hospice team, including the social workers, chaplain, support staff, and
especially all the nurses, including Siiobhan, Janeece, and Isabel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made “In Memory of Maureen Ollen” to Collier Youth
Services, online at www.collieryouthservices.org or by mailing donations to Collier Youth
Services, 160 Conover Rd., Wickatunk, NJ 07765, 732-946-4771.

Memorial mass will be held on Saturday at 11am at St Helens RC Church, 1600 Rahway Ave, Westfield.

Friends and relatives can gather at 10:30am at the church.