So sorry to hear that Maureen passed away. We went through Morley, Edmonds and Central together and our paths crossed again as Burnaby teachers. She was always an inspiration. Her leadership,love and energy will be missed by so many!
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It has taken me a while to know what to write. Maureen played an instrumental role in the educator that I am today. She was incredibly generous with her time and her talents, often fitting our zoom calls in between ministry meetings. We spoke in early June of the incredible ripple effect she had on British Columbia education. I shared with her how inspirational it was to watch her (and all her circle of other exceptional female educators) work tirelessly to transform education, all while supporting each other and pouring selflessly into the next generation. I got to tell her how I aspired to be more like her. I have never met an educator whose eyes didn’t light up when talking about Maureen, she made each person feel seen, loved and inspired. I hope to take the many, many lessons I’ve learned from her and hear her voice in my head when I teach. I am so grateful for her influence and cheerleading and will miss our texts and chats deeply.
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I will miss our weekly chats and our annual visit but will carry the words of wisdom and the incredible influence Momo had on me and my family for ever more!! Love you and meese you seesta!!!
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I first met Maureen at a conference and later continued with Early Learning over the years. I was fortunate to work with her. We enjoyed many conversations and zoom meetings. She had such a warm welcoming & genuine presence each and every time I was with her, I will miss her positive energy. I send my condolences to her families & friends 🩷💞🩷
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I met Maureen when she arranged for me to be part of her accreditation team for Madera Park Elementary School in 1999. The educational world as I knew it changed for me. There were many visits to her schools with staff to learn new ways that school could be joyful with deep connections to learning. Maureen knew educating young children needed multiple ways of thinking that inspired hope, infinite possibilities and joyous learning. She would often say “Every child is a gift let’s not miss this opportunity.” Her family was always in the forefront during her most amazing educational accomplishments in her career. At the same time, she would be seeking advice on Hawaiian sites and which rental home to find for her family on Lanikai beach in Kailua where I was born and raised or wondering what types of candles, beverages, and special treats should be selected for meetings when the work was done to appreciate those she worked with.
I was always in “awe” of Maureen’s charm and grace looking beyond herself and appreciating all of life’s possibilities. Her impact on those around her was profound. She changed the education world more than she knew. She lived connection, possibility, gratitude, awe and love in her life’s journey.
Every memory we have created together with Maureen is like a precious thread in the tapestry of our own lives. We will continue to carry her joy, laughter, love and boundless spirit in every step we take in our own life’s journey.
We are forever grateful for her beautiful soul. To Neal, Dustin, Carly, Brody, grandchildren and sister Nanci and family my deepest condolences. We will all miss her dearly.
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Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share such kind and beautiful words about my sister. Your memories and reflections have brought comfort and reminded me just how many lives she touched.
She truly was an extraordinary person—warm, generous, and full of light. Her dedication to early education had a lasting impact on children, families, and communities. She also worked closely with teachers and school districts, always offering support, encouragement, and expertise. Her influence lives on not just in the lives of young learners, but also in the educators she inspired along the way.
Your kind words have helped carry me through this difficult time, and I’m deeply appreciative for each and every one of them.
With Gratitude
Nanci
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Happy birthday, Maureen. I am in the garden and my thoughts turned to you. I bought an unusual plant & will always think of you as I tend to it. Our work, our travels, stories of family… each with its own cluster of images - precious treasures. 💝Love Susan Close
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Condolences to the family from Wes and me. Maureen was our neighbor in Kaleden for years and we often commented that she was the most vibrant and positive person we had ever had the pleasure of meeting. We shall indeed raise a glass of G&T and toast to the memory of the amazing and dynamic Maureen.
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I was so fourtunate to work closely with Maureen starting in 2005 in my Early Years Community Development role in Tri-Cities. As an Assistant Superintendent for SD43, Maureen and I worked closely and I learned so much from her. She had drive and passion and she made things happen. I will never forget us working on getting Strongstart up and running - a legacy she left behind. I was so fourtunate to have also travelled with Maureen and other colleagues (including her sister Nanci) to an Early Learning Conference in Montreal in January several years ago. It was an adventure to say the least - many great memories, including lots of snow! I remember when Maureen was applying to become the Superintendent of Early Learning for the Province. She reached out to me for help on her application and she so badly wanted that job - my reaction? Maureen - that job was made for you!!! And as we all know she got it and was amazing at it. These last couple of weeks upon hearing about Maureen's passing, I have reflected on her impact - it was significant to me in my career and personal life. I am so grateful to have had Maureen in my life and I will always carry her joy, passion, creativity and can-do attitude forward. To Maureen's family - thank you for sharing her with us and thank you for such a thoughtful tribute to her - she would be so proud.
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Neal, Carly and family - we were so sad to hear of Maureen’s passing - she will be greatly missed by everyone but mostly by you, her beloved family. I remember her being so vibrant and full of life - My heartfelt condolences to you all.
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Such a tragic loss of someone who gave so much of herself. I worked with Maureen at the Ministry of Education, and loved her energy, enthusiasm, and appreciated her ongoing support and encouragement. She was a treasure and will be missed by so many.
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Maureen was a dynamic educator and personality. I always enjoyed connecting with her through ECE. She was an inspiration to many and her positive contributions will live on. Condolences to the family.
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The first time I met this amazing lady we were both at a huge innovations conference in Whistler. Maureen brought to the conference a group of classroom teachers whom she engaged with in her ever passionate fashion. I thought to myself, well there is a true leader and an inspirational educator. Her work on the BC curriculum and her continued work with the ministry over many years has left a lasting legacy for our province. Her torch is bright! You are loved Maureen and will be missed.
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Mrs. D was the principal at my elementary school, Blakeburn Elementary. I still remember those years fondly. The community she built there, between students and families alike is something I have always held dear. I still frequently chant to myself, "eyes on the speaker, minds engaged, brains making connections" when I find my mind drifting during meetings.
And now, as an early childhood educator myself, I share the community guidelines she taught us way back then, guidelines that I still strive to live by: take care of yourself, take care of each other, take care of this place.
Maureen was one of the most impactful educators in my life, even for the brief time she was in it. Her legacy is going to live on through so many people, and that just speaks to how incredible she was.
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My heart needed to process this loss. The early learning community lost an amazing soul. I am so grateful that my life was able to intersect with Maureen and all the other early learning advocates in BC and beyond. Maureen, I will start small, find joy, advocate for change for all early learners in the province. You will be missed.
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Certainly. Here’s a thoughtful and respectful version for an obituary post:
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The last time I saw Maureen was just a few weeks ago on Zoom, with another meeting scheduled for this coming Tuesday. She was as fierce, passionate, and committed as ever—fighting for children and families with the urgency and clarity that defined her extraordinary life.
Right to the end, Maureen was doing the work she loved and believed in so deeply. I hope we make her proud as we carry her legacy forward.
In response to "When was the last time you spent time with Maureen?"
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We are heartbroken by the loss of someone truly larger than life — a fire, a light, and a tireless advocate for children. She lit up every room she entered and gave her all to the families and causes she believed in.
She will be so deeply missed by her loved ones, her community, and by all the children whose lives she helped shape. Her legacy will continue to shine.
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Maureen was my treasured friend and colleague for the past couple of decades. We collaborated in BC and across Canada to promote early learning as a vibrant part of public education. We came to know each other’s partners and the lives of our adult offspring. We both became grandmas and celebrated together over the years. As so many others have noted, Maureen was a very special person who was visionary in her understanding of early learning, strategic in bringing new ideas into practice and policy and fully committed to really seeing and listening to children. Her enthusiasm was contagious and brought out the best efforts possible from so many. And she truly was the ‘hostess with the mostest’ – a remarkable cook who always offered amazing meals and snacks and a convenor who could ignite dynamic conversations amongst her guests. Maureen was a most extraordinary woman who I deeply miss.
My best thoughts to Neal, Dustin, Carly and Brody.
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