Obituary of Maureen Ann Toohey

After a long battle with cancer, Maureen Ann Toohey, of Lewiston, died Sunday June 20, 2010 at the Youngstown home of her brother Kevin and his wife Wendy. For several months before her death Maureen was cared for by her loving family and the dedicated and compassionate staff of Niagara Hospice, especially hospice nurse Judy Johnson. Maureen was born October 28, 1948 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of Marilyn (Hoag) Toohey of Lewiston and the late Matthew F. Toohey. She was a member of the inaugurating kindergarten class of St. Peter's School in Lewiston and continued to attend as the school added a new class each year through the eighth grade. She later attended Madonna High School in Niagara Falls, graduating in the class of 1967. Maureen then entered upon a novitiate at the Convent of the Divine Child in Clarence, NY. After leaving the convent in 1970 Maureen was employed at various health care related facilities, including the Niagara County Mt. View facility in Lockport, Fairchild Manor Nursing Home in Lewiston and the Beeman Child Development Clinic in Niagara Falls. She then began a 22 year career in retail merchandising on Indian Reservations, first at Smokin Joe's on the Tuscarora Reservation and then completing 12 years at Rez Creations on the Tonawanda Reservation in Basom, NY. Maureen was known to her co-workers, artisans, loyal customers and friends for her cheerful demeanor and infectious laughter. In addition to her mother and her brother Kevin (Wendy), Maureen is survived by her sister Colleen Porter (Rolfe) of Cleveland, OH; brothers, Brian F. (Lisa) of Pepper Pike, OH, Timothy (Margaret) of Lewiston, and Dennis (MJ.) of Cambridge, MA; 17 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Gerald Matthew Toohey. Maureen's commitment to her family was unshakable, and her love for her nieces and nephews was unbounded. When Maureen visited Ireland in 2005 she felt an instant connection with the Emerald Isle. It was her ground, her air, these were her people. Her lifelong dream of touring Ireland with family members was fulfilled and, in a sense, fulfilled her. A visitation will be held at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Friday, June 25, from 3 - 7 pm. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094.